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As TKevj Game To Me 



BY 



MARIETTA M. S. ELLIOT 



BANGOR, ME. 

O. F. KNOWLES & CO. 

1908 



»«■ 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two Copies deceived 

JUN 2 1908 






COPY a« 



Copyright, 1908 
Makietta M. S. Elliot 



hi 



To those whom I have loved, 

To those who have loved me, 

Who have joyed in my prosperity 

And have sorrowed for me in my adversity, 

I lovingly dedicate these few of my gathered leaves. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

A Beautiful Woman , 91 

After the Battle 165 

Am I Alone 101 

Ambitions 133 

Anotlier New Year 152 

April 93 

As Kind as the Old Has Been to Me 28 

Attraction 84 

Bereaved 123 

Be Not Doubting 153 

Be True • 52 

Better Things • . 22 

Better Than We Pray 46 

Can You Afford It 100 

Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters 118 

Club Poem 49 

Comfort Me Still 17 

Did I Kiss Him Much To-day 60 

Do They Hear 48 

Dreams 109 

Easter Morn 12 

Exiled 148 

Fancy 96 

For God and the Right 141 

Gone with the Floods of the Years 157 

Hope 18 

Household Music 29 

Hon. William Windom, of Minnesota 107 

Ideals 54 

Infinity ,. - 23 

Keep Your Courage 122 

Light 74 

Love's Mysteries 76 

Marjorie 58 

Memorial Day Poem 34 



Myrtle's Dream 88 

Mystery 115 

My Valentine , 15^ 

Not All Bad 71 

Now Ye Shall Succeed 146 

Ode to the Mountains 13^ 

Ode to the Ocean 41 

Ode of Welcome to the Eight Worthy Grand Lodge of Good Templars. . 64 

Inpenetrable Future 124 

Our Babies 1^2 

Our Country 120 

Out on the Plains ...... o ...... . • 126 

Outward Bound 98 

Passed Away 150 

Prayer for the President 160 

Prelude .... 9 

Progress QQ 

Poor Russia - 139 

Poverty 68 

Reminiscence 32 

Silence 30 

Show Me the Way 151 

Speak from the Heart 70 

Starving for Something Beautiful 56 

Storm on Lake Michigan 78 

Success 130 

Summer Rain 90 

The Garden by the Sea 43 

The Hour Before Dawn 116 

The Old Year 131 

The Ship New Year 25 

The Treasury of the Snow 86 

That Other Day 105 

Then Cometh the Morning 128 

Then and Now 142 

Thought 127 

Tribute to Gen. Grant Ill 

To May A. Livermore on her Eighty-ihird Birthday 75 

Washington's Birthday 137 

Watching 15 



8 

Welcome to the G. A. R 62 

We Love the Light 82 

Where the Ways Parted 80 

What Does it Matter 108 

What he Paid 113 

What the River Said to Me 158 

Will They Greet Us at the River 19 

Work and Wait 134 

Yet After All 21 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



April 93 

Easter Morn 12 

Marjorie 58 

Ode to the Ocean 42 

Ode to the Mountains 135 

Our Babies 102 

Outward Bound 98 

Progress .... 67 

Summer Dreaming 32 

Watching 16 

The Ship New Year 26 



PRELUDE. 



AS THEY CAME TO ME. 



CHEY come to me in hush of night, 
Come in the rosy glow of morn, 
Come when the world is glad and bright 
In purple haze of twilight born. 
On mountain top, in woodland shade, 

Or deserts stretching far away. 
Where rivers roll through meadowed glade. 
From waving fields with blossoms gay. 
And whisper, 'Write !" 

They come where swelling oceans wide 

Speed on the ship with quivering sail — 
When crested billows gaily ride 

Sending some message on the gale ; 
To me they come where cities' glare 

Is turning somber night to day. 
Where wrestled sorrow with despair. 

And pleasure's revelries are gay 

And whisper, "Write!" 



10 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Have come to me from battle plain — 

Where blood had crimsoned sod and snow, 
Tell of war's miseries and pain 

In messages so full of woe ! 
From convicts in the prison cell, 

Who, lured by sin, mistook the way 
Temptation licensed ! so they fell, 

No loving hand reached out to stay, 
They whisper, ''Write!" 

They come where days are fair and bright- 
Hearts thrilling with love's sweet surprise 

The white stars drifting through the night 
Of halcyon days and summer skies ; 

Come when the clouds of deep despair 
Gloom over all, love, life and soul ; 

They tell me of a Father's care 
So pointing to a higher goal 

And whisper, "Write!" 

They come in history— romance ; 

Lessons with wisdom all aglow: 
It may be sorrow— joy perchance 

Things borne and ended long ago. 
Whisper from w^ealth of classic lore 

Of gods and godesses benign, 
Phydean art, Socratic store 

And Homer's verses most divine 

And whisper, "Write!" 

Why ! why to me these voices come - 

To me, so small, their missions pour ? 
To inspiration almost dumb, 



PRELUDE 11 



What can I add their wealth before ? 
Insistently they whisper still, 

Some wait the messages you bear ; 
This urge of soul, may others thrill, 

A talent used, brings blessings rare, 
And answers, ''Write !" 

Esthetic sentiment not all. 

Nor metaphysics finer part — 
Not phantasy's illusive call 

But simple language, heart to heart; 
And as the voices come to me 

So I to you will humbly send: 
"Words hve forever. " It may be 

Some germinating thought they lend 
To guide aright. 



12 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 




EASTER MORN 



Easter Morn 



/lA the solemn benediction 
\iy That has hallowed Easter Morn, 
Bringing hope and joy and gladnesg 

To the millions yet unborn ! 
Small indeed the heart's oblation, 

For this gift of life divine, 
Poor the purest adoration, 

For this pledge of love benign. 



EASTER MORN 13 

Earthly life is short and fleeting, 

Transitory as the light, 
And the human heart is crying, 

"Stay, 0! stay the coming night!" 
History is all abounding 

With this bitter, burning woe, 
And the world in anguish groaneth 

For some hope's immortal glow. 

All philosophers and sages, 

Priests' and poets, long had sought 
By some occult erudition. 

How to solve this, anxious thought, 
"What is life? And what is being? 

W^hat is soul? and if divine 
Lives it through eternal ages? 

Or does earthly life define?" 

Theories, intricate and solemn, 

Filled with deep mysterious awe, 
They had builded in their wisdom, 

Named them, "Universal Law." 
But the ages, filled on ages, 

And the world was thirsting still, 
Never answer seemed evolving. 

All this longing to fulfill. 

But a babe, born in a manger. 

Lifted from the world its ban ; 
Angels brought the joyful tidings, 

"Peace on earth, good will to man !" 
My Father's house hath many mansions, 



14 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

I go to the place, prepare, 
Where I am ye may be also, 

Bliss transcendent reigneth there. 

' 1 must die to teach the lesson. 

But triumphant I shall rise, 
Mortal, clothed with the immortal, 

For the spirit never dies. 
I will come, and ye shall witness. 

As I walk beside the way. 
That this death is but transition, 

Reaching to eternal day. ' ' 

It was done, the promise finished. 

Now the tomb holds not control. 
For the Saviour has arisen. 

Life the destiny of soul! 
Praises sing, and glad hosannas, 

Anthems all victorious ring! 
Death and grave alike are vanquished, 

Christ, the Lord, is king of kings! 



WATCHING 15 



WATCHING. 



aLL the day long I have been watching, watching, 
Some fairy ship go saihng to the sea; 
And watching, wondered, from her untold treasures 
What goodly boon she would bring back to me. 

Have watched for feet that I heard faintly coming. 
Step keeping step in rythmic measure slow, 

And that to me some destiny were bringing, 
But joy or pain I could not even know. 

On the green sward have watched strange shadows flitting 
Like merry dancers, when the day's work is done. 

Or like some fate so wierdly round me creeping. 
And of their elfish figures making me one. 

So often watched the low mysterious ticking 

Of the old clock hanging against the wall, 
Its mystic voices dreamily repeating 

Familiar things I could but half recall. 

Sometimes have watched the years come full of promise, 
Joy crowding joy that seemei to fairly glow, 

But every dream had its long shadow-sorrow. 
For hand in hand they ever seem to go. 

And I have watched, lone and weary watching ! 

Beside a loved one fading fast away. 
And watching, prayed, till stars went out in morning. 

That the despoiler's hand I still might stay. 



16 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 



And often watch the last low pulse expiring, 
Of the old year our garlands sadly lay, — 

And vainly crying, "Dear, hasten not thy going! 
We loved you so; ! Old Year, longer stay ! " 

Still we are watching for the New Year's coming, 
And give him hail, for he is young and bright ; 

And fondly dream he brings us joy and plenty, 
Brimming them high with love's own sweet delight. 




WATCHI^^G 

So life is made of hopeful, happy watching, 
Or patiently midst grief and care and wrong ! 

And blessed they who keep their lights still burning. 
Waiting the bridegroom tarrying so long. 

For only he who watcheth and prepareth, 
Can take the good that cometh to his door, 

But watching still, with lamp all trimmed and glowing, 
Shall enter in, possess, nor ask for more. 



COMFORT ME STILL 17 

Comfort Me Still. 



^"^^EAR mother, from thy blissful home of light 
^^^ Waft thou thy way to thy sad child to-night. 
Close fold me, mother, in thy fond embrace, 
Press once again thy kisses on my face 
And whisper to my heart some words of love 
Of hope and cheer that in the world above 
Thou, darling one, hast learned from our dear Lord 
What I see dimly shadowed in the world. 

Oh, let me feel thy loving spirit near, 
That in the darkness I may know no fear, 
And as thy love has blessed my life the while 
I hunger for the sunshine of thy smile; 
That in my heart the seed sowed by thy hand 
May bring forth fruit that yet shall bless the land. 

This was thy prayer, when in thy weakness here, 
But now immortal, sainted mother, dear. 
Wilt thou not strengthen, aid and guide my life, 
To gather still my sheaves amid life's strife? 

And when I come at eve, Oh, may I bring 

Some garnered grain, 'twas thine to sow in Spring? 

Some beaming smiles on faces wet with tears, 

Some budding hopes in hearts grown dark with fears, 

Some aspirations making glorious light 

Where deep despair has settled into night? 

Faith, labor, love, the outgrowth of them all, 
These sheaves I fain would bring, however small, 
Unto the Master. 

Then blest spirit still 
Cheer while I work and wait and trust His will 



18 AS THEY CAME TO U^ 

HOPE. 

I^OPE is no brilliant meteor that flies 
^ 1 All hissing red along the sombre skies; 

^ No lightning flash, straight cutting through the air, 
Filling all space with hell's most lurid glare; 
Nor like Aurora's host, with spear and lance, 
With winged feet, leading the midnight dance; 
But like the sun, that worlds on worlds inspire, 
Blesses and warms with its white central fire. 

Inspiring Genius! glowing all sublime 

Through all the ages, child of every clime! 

True as the seasons, constant as the spheres, 

Blest guiding star, ashine through all the years! 

hoary hope! coeval with the earth! 

E'er Egypt's pomp, or Pyramids had birth, 

Primeval born! for medieval man 

Thy smiling face has softened every band. 

And through the dark of ages, still thy light 
Has been the beacon guiding star of night. 
Inspiring still to wait a brighter day, 
But slowly rising through the misty gray. 
Hope, Sweet Evangel! bearing still thy sign, — 
A flaming torch, uplifting and benign. 
And men and nations, guided by thy ray, 
Have felt the promise of prophetic day. 

Columbus heard thy voice and felt thy shine; 
A world was born! the praise, Hope, was thine! 
New World! New Hope! large liberty has solved, 
A fairer God, a truer man evolved. 



WILL THEY GREET US AT THE RIVER 19 



Will They Greet Us at the River? 



^^VSILL they greet us at the river 
.^^^^/ When we reach the other shore? 
Shall we see their loving faces 

With the old time smile they wore? 
Will they put their arms around us, 

In the dear familiar way 
That has made all life a rapture, 

Turning darkest hours to day? 

Will they meet us at the portals? 

Shall we feel their sweet, warm breath 
On our brows in sweet caressing? 

Then would be no sting to death. 
Will their dear lips smile a welcome 

Just as sweetly as before? 
And their faces, unforgotten. 

Wake and thrill our hearts once more? 

Oh! I long for vanished faces! 

Long for voices heard no more, 
Till I almost seem to see them 

Waiting on the other shore. 
And it seems we are not parted, 

Sight is all we do not share. 
And sometimes the veil is lifted 

And I hail a vision fair. 



20 AS THEY CAME TO ME • 

And the hour of death and parting 

Seems to quickly fade away, 
And my mother, sisters, husband, 

Are my own again to-day. 
It was not the hfe that perished. 

But Hfe's garment laid away, 
And celestial love and beauty 

Make them dearer day by day. 
And they smile and thrill and cheer me, 

With a strange, uplifting spell, 
Till my weary soul is rested, 

And I whisper, "All is well." 



YET AFTER ALL 21 

Vet After All. 



yET after all, yet after all, 
Hope brightens as the words are said, 
The light breaks in where dark clouds fall 
And sets them aflame with purple and red. 
For they are born of faith's bright beams 
That through the darkness sweetly gleams. 

When loved ones go from our embrace 
To the other life, on the other side, 

With kisses hot we press the face 
And almost wish, we too, had died. 

Yet after all, we say it slow,.. 
It is not long before v\^e go. 

We loved, nay, worshiped, heart and brain. 
Poured out on passion's burning shrine; 

But ashes and a broken bowl 

Of love's sweet longings make the sign; 

Yet after all the smart and pain 
We gladly take to dream again. 

We labored long for some great good, 

Till almost in our grasp it lay ; 
A dreary gulf where we had stood, 

And all, all else is swept away. 
Yet after all God knoweth best 

We say, and on His bosom rest. 

Never so dark a cloud may fall. 
Never so dreary a place we know. 

But hope will whisper, ' 'After all 
Somehow, someway, it is best so;" 

And past the gloom of bier and pall 
Heaven sweetly brightens after all. 



22 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Better Things. 



"^ T were better could we open 
^; All the windows of the soul, 
Drinking deep the inspiration 

Of a wisdom many fold; 
High as heaven, deep as ocean, 

Bounded by no earthly goal. 

It were better could we ever 
Labor for the broader light, 

Noble deeds and high endeavor 
Fill ambition's highest flight; 

Sordid, selfish aims forever 
Banish from our bosoms quite. 

Trammeled by no superstition, 
Bounded by no narrow creed. 

Giving all a strong uplifting 
Who are are striving in their need; 

Open wide the door of kindness, 
Faith and courage shall succeed. 

Man not to himself is living. 
Unborn millions claim their due, 

Possibilities are waiting 
Limitless as heaven's blue; 

Actions round in glowing measure. 
The eternal ages through. 



INFINITY 23 



INFINITY. 



/T^ mysterious source of being, 
\}y Mystery of light and life! 

Height and depth alike transcending, 

Eager, bristling, burning strife. 
Myriad are the forms of being 

In this comprehensive plan, 
Reaching out to the eternal. 

Limit it no vision can. 

Possibilities are broadening, 

As the swelling skies above, 
On and on through countless ages 

Rounded by unmeasured love. 
Worlds on worlds and still emergent. 

Till imagination tires. 
All reverberant and responsive, 

With this life, magnetic fire. 

Thrilling with adoring wonder. 

Lost in contemplation grand, 
Soul but beats its weary pinions 

At the limitless expand. 
Turning from this far outreaching. 

To the smaller things of life 
That are lying all about us, 

Find we all with being rife. 



24 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

And that all are thrilling, breathing, 

As the starry hosts above, 
Palpitating with emotion, 

Throbbing with magnetic love. 
In the rocks, as air and ether. 

Thrills a life-defying sight. 
And this subtle law, attraction. 

Holds with a resistless might. 

Let us take to heart this lesson, 

God is love and life and light. 
Ail in all still comprehending, 

Then that life is God, is right. 
That the breath of the Jehovah 

Thrills the planets as the flower, 
And proclaims the soul immortal, 

Called to life by the same power. 




THE SHIP NEW YEAR 



25 



The Ship New Vear. 



fT'RE ship New Year is coming in 
\P_^ With masts erect and canvas spreading, 
With chiming bells and joyous din, 
Like princess to a royal wedding. 

Proudly defiant, sail and spar. 
Softly the breezes speed her sailing. 

Sending caresses from afar— 
Evangels of her merry hailing. 

Laden full well, from stem to stern. 

She something brings for every dwelling ; 

The jewel-freighted ship in turn 
With fortunes good and bad is swelling. 

Lands, gold and silver, home and friends. 
With all this comprehends in blessing. 

Health, fame and honor, still she sends 
With faith and hope and love's caressing. 

Alas ! Alas ! Would this were all, 
This ship so fairy-like is bringing; 

How the unnumbered, great and small. 
Would wake the welkin with their singing. 



26 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 




THE SHIP NEW YEAK 



But unto some despair and gloom, 
And broken idols she is bearing, 

Dead loves, false hopes, unanswered boons 
She scatters far with reckless daring. 

And still to all, this fateful ship, 
Her golden promises are flinging, 

And so we hail her oars' swift dip, 
And set the tuneful bells a-ringing. 

For in each breast blind faith still feels 
The Father-love serenely showing ; 

And through the darkest cloud there steals 
Glimpses of sunshine sweetly glowing. 

"Into all lives some rain must fall." 
Which is the best, the shade or shining ? 

To loving Law we trust it all, 
Nor dare to question this defining. 



THE SHIP NEW YEAR 27 

If wisdom may the planets charm, 

Compelling to attentive coursing ; 
His children He will guard from harm, 

By love's divinest, sweetest forcing. 

Then ring sweet bell! Ring peal on peal! 

And trust the ship with jewel freighting ; 
Gemmed are the hours that crowd her keel, 

Ring in the peerless days, awaiting. 



28 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



As Kind as the Old Has Been to Me. 



as I kneel by the bier of the year 
So silently passing away. 
And take in review the joy and the fear, 
It has brought me day after day. 
I can only ask that the new shall be 
As kind as the old has been to me. 

No ashes of love lie cold on the hearth, 

No darling has gone away, 
What matters it, then, that hopes that had birth 

Have bloomed or died with the day? 
So I only ask that the new shall be 
As kind as the old has been to me. 

It has given the smile and the tear, 

Something of sorrow and care, 
But sunshine has lain on faces most dear, 

And nerved heart and hand to bear. 
So I only ask that the new shall be 
As kind as the old has been to me. 

Then with blessings I will crown the old year 

So swiftly passing away, 
And trustfully greet, with right hearty cheer, 

The one that shall wake with the day. 
And will only ask that it shall be 
As kind as the old has been to me. 



HOUSEHOLD MUSIC 29 

Household Music. 



1^ OW the household music lingers, 
r^ With its laughter and its tears, 
^ I That some early song remembered 

And some silent voice endears. 
How they sweep the cords of feelmg, 

Sadly tender memory swells, 
As from out the mists of twilight 

Comes the chime of far-off bells. 

Mother's lullaby carressing, 

Soothes her darling into sleep, 
Loving notes ring on to manhood. 

Clearer through the years they sweep, 
And her softest tones reverberant, 

Thrill and flood the being through, 
Though the tender lips are silent, 

Ring they still with songs anew. 

Strike the harp and wake the viol, 

Sweetest melodies respond, 
And with tenderest emotion 

Echo back some message fond. 
While the strings are throbbing, pantmg, 

With the love they would express, 
Soul interpreting their music, 

Brimming full of tenderness. 

Music is the soul of being, 

Breath of poesy divine. 
Thrilling through all inspiration, 

Hope and life and love the sign. 
When the morning stars together 

Sang the pean of the day, 
Harmony awoke its grandeur. 

Melody its sweetest lay. 



30 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



SILENCE. 



'^ have felt the awful grandeur 
^^ Of a silence all supreme, 
When the universe of nature 

Seems a deep, mysterious dream, 
When the panting stars were drifting 

In a sea of ether blue. 
And the voices of the stillness 

Stirred and thrilled me through and through. 

How the heart is awed and flooded 

By this great eternal still, 
That the earth and sea and heavens 

Overshadowed, seem to fill. 
Palpitating, glowing ever, 

Quite submerging, being, place. 
And the soul alone seems sovereign, 

Filling all of time and space. 

Silence almost overwhelming 

In its irresistless course. 
Draws us, holds us to its bosom 

With its mute, magnetic force ; 
Unsung songs of air and ocean, 

All enraptured hearts repeat. 
Till transported with emotion 

By its voiceless music sweet. 



SILENCE 31 



! The voices of the silence, 

How they quiver, tremble, thrill. 
Throbbing through the dreamy ether 

All their mission to fulfill ; 
Till life's harmony completed 

In an anthem wierd and strong. 
That was borne from out the silence. 

Still reverberates with song. 

When out on the swelling ocean, 

Stars above and stars below. 
Never sound, but of the billows 

In their ceaseless ebb and flow ; 
Silence voices the Eternal, 

In His hands the waters sleep ; 
For He rideth on the whirlwind, 

And His Spirit walks the deep. 

Silence audible seems ringing 

Through the solemn arch of night. 
And the starry hosts are marching 

In a firmament of white. 
All enravished with the beauty 

Of a music unexpressed, 
Swoons the soul from very rapture 

In infinitude of rest. 



32 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 




SUMMER DREAMING 



Reminiscence. 



y^ deep, deep sky, of the purest azure, 
^ V With white clouds drifting low, 

Whispering winds with musical measure, 
Stirring the green leaves slow. 

W^avy and soft as a maiden's tresses, 

Green fields stretching away, 
Buttercups bask in beautiful dresses, 

Daises are smiling and gay. 



REMINISCENCE 33 

Lazily swaying the apple-blossoms 

Drift down garlands of snow, 
Breath of locust, of lilac and roses 

Are charming the senses so. 

Song of thrush and robin and linnet 

Flooding the ambient air, 
Blushing clover, bees hovering in it, 

Gathering sweetness rare. 

Softly and slow my hammock is swinging 

Under the spreading trees ; 
And voices gone seem tenderly ringing 

Along the perfumed breeze. 

And other skies are smilingly bending. 

Gold and purple and blue. 
And other dreams again are blending 

Sweeter than sapphire's hue. 

Again the apple-blossoms are drifting. 

Pink and pearly and white. 
And witching memories deftly lifting 

The dear old-time delight. 

Again I listen to robin and linnet, 

Drifting away, away ; 
The seas of the past give the old loves in it. 

My very own to-day. 



34 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Memorial Day Poem 



CO deck our soldiers' graves, 
Do honor to our braves, 
We meet to-day. 
And flowers bright and fair, 
Still breathing perfume rare 
Above them lay ! 

And heart-throbs every flower 
Should fill with sweetest power 

Our dead to bless. 
Dead, did I say ? Oh, no, 
Though here they're lying low 

They live not less. 

In every bell that rings, 
That musically sings 

Of liberty, 
In every flag unfurled 
Proclaiming to the world 

That man is free. 

In all that makes our laws 
To manhood's holy cause 

A tribute pay. 
In every home and heart 
They all must hold a part 

And live to-day. 



MEMORIAL DAY 35 

It is for these they sleep 
While friends above them weep 

And garlands lay. 
But only gone before, 
They through the portals bore 

Their laurels gay. 

And what a crown to wear !^ 
! wonderously fair 

A race redeemed. 
Of one so dazzling bright, 
Of royalty's own light 

They never dreamed. 



A story is told of a city old 

That had angered the gods with wickedness bold ; 

And a chasm deep at their very feet 

Earth opened wide, it was justice mete ; 

From ruin to all there seemed no retreat. 

And the people counseled, the wise and brave, 

How appease the gods and the city save ; 

And the wisest thing seemed that each should bring 

Of their treasures best, the goodliest thing. 

And in the abyss, though priceless, should fling. 

'Twas done— but the chasm yawned and widened still. 
The gods had not of vengeance their fill ; 
All pale with despair the young and the fair 
Must still the horrors of the dread gulf share. 
Could anything save they could do or dare ? 



36 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Just then came a youth, rich, manly and fair, 

Of parentage high and Hneage rare, 

Clad in armor bright and mounted for fight 

He rode to the brink in beautiful might, 

A moment he paused— was buried from sight. 

The great chasm closed, the city was saved, 
The gods were appeased by the youth so brave. 
He had given the BEST, more than all the rest, 
The manhood that dared even death to breast, 
'Twas the dearest gift, the noblest, blest. 

So when we had sinned with a mighty hand. 
And the bondman's cry made dreary the land ; 
Dire treason and hate, home, country and state 
Threatened to engulf, it seemed as a fate 
That our costliest treasures might not abate. 

Then not one youth, but thousands strong. 
Armed with the right to battle the wrong, 
Their manhood they gave our country to save, 
Kind noble brothers ; true patriots brave ; 
They'd died that the flag in triumph should wave. 

Thousands on thousands as manly and strong 
Filled up the thin ranks and marched boldly along, 
Till again and again spring gladdened the plain. 
The call came anew and still to the brave. 
For manhood alone our country could save. 



MEMORIAL DAY 37 

Now with the martyred band 
They watch and guard the land 

They died to save. 
With every star more clear, 
Each principle more dear, 

Our flag shall wave. 

And while our armies here 
Spread flowers far and near 

Our country o'er, 
A spirit host we know 
Drop blessings as they go 

And walk before. 

! tenderly then spread 
On every soldier's bed 

Lily and rose; 
As mother on her breast 
Hushes her babe to rest. 

Soothe their repose. 

For wearily they came. 
Wounded and sick and lame 

To rest here ; 
Hunger and fever slow. 
In most exquisite woe 

Prepared each bier. 

Or else in flame and fire 

Their wrapt souls mounted higher 

Where battles roared; 
From Gettysburg's red plain, 
Vicksburg and Ball's Bluff slain 
Exultant soared ! 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 

And from Potomac's side, 
Or ocean's sobbing tide 

They've gathered here ; 
Or sleep where other hands 
Must braid the rosy bands 

Or drop a tear. 

But while we sing the glory, 
No words may tell the story 

Of hopeless woe ! 
Hearts all torn asunder 
By battle's awful thunder, 

But God can know. 

Then violets of spring, 
And apple-blossoms bring. 

And daisies white ; 
Lilies and lilacs gay 
Filled with the breath of May 

And pearly bright. 

Let all the children bring 
Some tender offering 

Of rosy bands ; 
For their' s the bright fruition, 
Then bless the recognition 

With pure white hands. 

And while with reverend care 
We braid our garlands fair 

For heroes brave ; 
Their sweet entwinings fill 
With messages to thrill 

Way o'er the grave. 



MEMORIAL DAY 39 

Petals with kiss and tear 
Press full for every bier 

Where soldiers lay ; 
And all their fragrance rare 
Shall sweet pulsations bear 

Of love to-day. 

Then reverently kneel 

And with these tributes seal 

A pledge of trust ; 
And make your vows anew 
Forever to be true 

Above their dust. 

True to your banner bright, 
To freedom's beacon light, 

True to the brave ; 
True to the ones they leave 
In loneliness to grieve 

That stars may wave. 

And filled with holiest prayer 
We will our wreaths prepare 

For those away ; 
Who all unhonored sleep 
Where never lovers weep 

Or roses lay. 

Nor earth above so chill 
Feel the delicious thrill 

Of loving hands ; 
But one we know will spread 
Sweet lilies o'er each bed 

And flowery bands. 



40 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

And while we blessings twine 
In every rosy vine 

We lay to-day ; 
All benedictions mete 
We lovingly repeat 

For boys in gray. 

And now, God, to Thee ! 
Author of powers that be 

We would implore— 
Peace for the braves who sleep, 
Comfort for those who weep, 

And WAR no more. 



ODE TO THE OCEAN 41 



Ode to the Ocean. 



3 have stood beside the ocean with its mighty roUing tide, 
I have Hstened to its symphonies out-floating wild and 
wide; 
I have watched the swelhng billows as they broke in frosty 

line 
Like a martial host advancing with mysterious tread and 
sign. 

I have felt the starry splendor as the white sails drifted by, 
Throwing out their phantom banners wide against the 

evening sky; 
When the canopy of heaven bending low with mute caress, 
Spread a jeweled mantle o'er it from its own resplendent 

dress. 



I have noted the pulsations of its deeply-heaving breast, 
When the softly-sighing breezes had cajoled it into rest; 
And have seen it, roused in terror, mount in fury of surprise 
Till the dashing waves seemed eager for a battle with the 
skies. 

I have knelt in adoration to its all-majestic power 

As it rocked the mountain billows, as the zephyrs breathe 

a flower; 
And have hushed my heart to Hsten to the weird, wild 

melody. 
There reverberating ever through its deep-toned orchestra. 



42 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 



But adoring turns to pity as I hear the wail and sigh 
Coming from its restless bosom, echoed back by wave and 

sky; 
When I hear the marching waters breaking, breaking on 

the shore, 
And the snap of straining fetters mingling with its sullen 

roar. 




ODE TO THE OCEAN 



When I hear it moaning, sobbing, all along the cove and bay, 
By its trophies all surrounded and where spoils so thickly 

lay; 
Then I envy not the power that such fearful vigils keep; 
Well I know its heart is breaking and its waters never sleep. 



THE GARDEN BY THE SEA 43 



The Garden by the Sea. 



CHEN I turned me from the ocean to the garden by the 
sea, 
Where the opal waves translucent, kissed the sands 
caressingly; 
Where the lullaby of waters floating resonant and gay. 
In and out amidst the shallows where the dancing ripples 

play. 
And the greening earth lies fallow to the sunshine and the 

dew, 
With her emerald robes a-glitter and with pearls bespangled 

new, 
As some oriental Goddess with her gorgeous garments dyed. 
In the royal glow of sunset where the Moslem houris hide. 

Here the summer voices murmur, sweetly tremulous and 

slow. 
And in wise mysterious whispers weirdly talk with grasses 

low 
That a-thrill with subtle feeling, nod such mystical replies; 
You are reverent with wonder and the marvel of surprise. 
Softly sighing zephyrs winging in the soughing of the 

trees 
As they shake their silken banners to the gaily rythmic 

breeze; 
And the bright-eyed, laughingpansy turns to you her pretty 

face 
As she challenges your worship with her most bewitching 

grace. 



44 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Fairest garden! sweetest roses open wide their hearts of 

gold, 
All in occidental splendor that the sunset gates unfold ; 
Roses crimson, red and yellow, roses pink and creamy white, 
Roses filled with sweetest perfume, charming all the senses 

quite. 
Here geranium and aster, hyacinth, or violet blue, 
Rioting in wealth of color, reveling in prismic hue, 
Daisies, marigolds and mallows, lilac, snow-ball, pink and 

white. 
Bringing back the childhood garden with its dear old-time 

delight. 

Here this miracle of color, magical and unsolved power, 
With its myriads of shading, painting leaf and bud and 

flower; 
Where the cacti from the desert with the air-fed orchids 

vie 
With their beauteous blossoms lifted to the smiling sapphire 

sky. 
Just as sweet in dimpled graces, just as rich in silken sheen. 
From the ocean's shells and rubies, both alike their colors 

glean ; 
Just as moist their sun-kissed petals, just as rich in royal 

birth, 
Still for one the air and water, one the dreariest of earth. 

Clover white and red is tempting bees to honied banquet 

meet, 
And the tasseled-locust blossoms fill the air with odors 

sweet; 
Golden lilly-bells a-ringing thrill the subtle misty air. 



THE GARDEN BY THE SEA 45 

And the lily-cups, extending, hold enchantments sweet and 

rare; 
All galore the feathered songsters with their golden throats 

in tune. 
Till you almost swoon in rapture with the ravishments of 

June; 
Brightest oriole and linnet, robin-red-breast, bobolink. 
In their rivalry of music make the earth and heaven link. 

Here the old man reminiscent, dreams life's battles o'er and 

o'er, 
And the frail old wife beside him lives the honeymoon once 

more; 
For the father, wife and children, from the oldest to the 

least, 
Waves and music, rest and freedom, make the Sabbath's 

hallowed feast. 
Here alike the rich and poor hold a bliss beyond compare. 
Sickly child and weary mother, beauty air and sunshine 

share. 
Young men woo and maidens listen, emphasized by hands 

and eyes. 
Mystical the strange attraction, magical the low replies. 

Mimic lakes and rustic bridges, little boys and girls at play. 
Fairy grottoes, falling waters make serene the live-long day; 
Sculptured monuments of marble to perpetuate the praise 
Of our heroes, add their grandeur, making classic all its 

ways. 
Distant bells come softly stealing, sensuous with bliss 

complete. 
And like dim, cathedral music, song and chorus both repeat; 
Dreamy voices, faintest perfume, singing birds and bough 

and bee, 
Not for me, the grand old ocean, but the garden by the sea. 



46 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Better Than We Pray. 



X^ETTER than we can ask, God, 
-S^ Thou wilt in love bestow, 

Withholding oft some cherished good, 
Hedging the way we go; 
But loving arms surround us still, 
And wisdom all thy chastening fill. 

Better than we can ask, God, 
Thy love outspeeds the prayer; 

Returning day but proves anew 
A constant, watchful care, 

And that our steps may never stray 

Where love illumines not the way. 

Better than we can ask, dear Lord, 

As children oft we cry, 
For dazzling toys that hurt and bruise, 

Nor doubt they satisfy ; 
But love divine withholds the prize, 
And loving, pitying, denies. 

Better than we can ask, dear Lord, 

Far better than we pray; 
For in the dark we grope along — 

Thou seest clear the way. 
Where we are blind be Thou our sight, 
In doubt and darkness be the light. 



BETTER THAN WE PRAY 47 

Better than we can ask, God, 

Then may we calmly rest. 
As trustfully when skies are drear, 

As when gold paints the west. 
But whisper, with submission still, 
Not mine, Father, but Thy will. 

Better than we can ask, dear Lord, 

When in death's valley drear 
The cold, dark shadows round us creep. 

May we not shrink or fear; 
We shall not walk the vale alone, 
But rest our hands within Thine own. 



48 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Do They Hear. 



VV^IDST the flowing of the waters 
^11 Onward rushing to the sea, 
All the air with music flooding, 

I am dreaming, dear, of thee. 
And I see thy smooth, broad forehead. 

Bearing just a trace of pain, 
Eyes that search the soul for answer 

Smile into my own again. 

Lips a-quiver with deep feeling, 

Sensitive, yet flrm and true, 
All their old kind words repeating, 

And are blessing still anew. 
And I wonder, wonder, wonder. 

If thou still cans't know and hear 
All our cries of tender anguish. 

If thy spirit hovers near! 

And will guide us in the darkness, 

That our feet go not astray. 
Till within the shining portals 

We walk in the light of day. 
Vain they tell me thou art sleeping 

In a lone and far-off grave; 
Thou art near me, I am answered. 

Heart to heart responses gave. 



CLUB POEM 49 



Club Poem. 



To Mrs. Sarah Aldrich, widow of Col. Cyrus Aldricli, Congressman from Minnesota 

^^pvEAR honored friend, and hostess ever kind, 
.^^ Language is poor when we would fain express 
How deep and tender are the ties that bind 

Our hearts to thee in sympathies that bless 

The entertainer and her humble guest. 

The circling years have found us gathered here 
In the dear home made by thy presence bright, 

Where week by week we gather healthful cheer, 
As still we seek to garner truth and light 
From brave, sweet lives, devoted to the right. 

Greece we have studied, palaces and art, 

The sculptor, painter, orator and sage, 
The Roman Senate and her grander mart, 

Where mighty Caesar filled the glowing page 

With pomp, surpassing any other age. 

And ancient Egypt's scientific lore, 
Her seats of learning and long Ptolemaic line, 

O'er German kings and emperors we pore 
With philosophic scholars of the Rhine, - 
Or those who sang in language most divine. 



50 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Norway and Sweden, Italy and Spain 
We see evolving, molding broader minds, 

And how oppressive Russia makes her gains, 
Have tried to read between the written lines, 
The mills grind slow, but God the time assigns. 

England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France 
Pass in review, and martyrs, heroes, kings, 

Who left their steps in history or romance. 
And filled their cycle that resistless wings 
Some better hope and better promise brings. 

Columbia's sons, the children born of ages. 
Statesman and warrior, orator and seer, 

Who have won place beside earth's wisest sages, 
And been acknowledged by each king a peer 
Have made life grander, freer, doubly dear. 

Long live our hostess, may she still be spared 
To others bless as she has blessed our club, 

Till grown so pompous we should almost dare 
To patronize such coteries of the Hub— 
At least against their royal robes to rub. 

Much we have read, and could the half be told 
How we have toiled and grown so very wise. 

The sneering critic might pronounce us bold ; 

And the dead sages, quickened with surprise, 
• Turn in their graves and open wide their eyes. 

We learn how^ low that royalty can be 
When swayed by passion, selfishness and pride; 

And that as knightly men of low degree, 
Who for their fellows loyally have died 
That juster law and freedom might abide. 



CLUB POEM 51 

Within these parlors, spacious, warm and bright, 
Many a royal banquet has been spread, 

Where authors, poets, sages, made the light, 
Our gentle hostess ever at our head — 
And by their presence we were warmed and fed. 

Forgotten envy, prejudice and pride. 
With such companions could we ask for more? 

With all this wealth to beautify each life. 
From all the past to gather in our store, 
While just ahead, aglow, the brighter shore? 



52 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Be True. 



VVAOULD you when you wear the glory 
4^.^/ Of time's silver threaded crown, 
When your willing feet are weary 

With life's busy, ceaseless round. 
Looking backward through the distance, 

O'er the steep and crowded road, 
See the miles stones gleaming brightly, 

Marking kindly acts, and good? 

Would you battle wrong and error, 

Be they strong and old as time. 
Though from all the crowd about you 

Never comes responsive chime? 
Asking, knowing only duty. 

Trusting in the God of might, 
Speaking valiant words for justice, 

Bravely daring death for right? 

Would you unto hearts desponding, 

Still some word of comfort bring, 
And upon the darkening pathway. 

Some bright ray of promise fling? 
Teaching how that e'en the darkness 

May but herald greater life, 
Just as rosy morrow ever 

Presses close upon the night? 



BE TRUE 

That life's ills may be but seeming, 

Working out a higher bliss, 
Just as death is but the gateway 

To the brighter world than this. 
And though waiting in the market. 

Idle still until mid-day, 
God will, be we wiUing, ready. 

Work and waiting both repay. 

Would you thus look o'er Hfe's pathway? 

Would you wrestle thus with wrong? 
Would you cheer the sad and weary? 

Then be true and brave and strong. 
Loyal to each high conviction. 

Walk out bravely in its light. 
True to self and to your Maker, 

Firm in justice, truth and right. 

Grandest lives are made of trflies, 

Then a smile and now a tear, 
Giving bread to feed the hungry. 

Speaking words of kindly cheer. 
But Oh, in the great hereafter. 

In eternity's broad Hght, 
True kind acts may be the jewels 

In the crown of glory bright. 

Oft a tear, stern hearts has melted. 

Smiles have pierced the deepest gloom, 
And a timely word of courage 

Saved a mighty soul from doom. 
Actions, how like pearls we string them. 

One by one and hour by hour; 
Small they are but rich in value, 

Then be true and know thy power. 



53 



54 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



IDEALS. 



:>^^IS hard to put things loved away, 
KJ^ And so be true to your ideals, 
Walking the darker path to-day 
When sunshine makes aglow the real; 
To hold a cause, the world might jeer, 

Because you set your duty higher, 
When never good it brings to you, 
And tries your soul as if by fire. 

That other feet may thereby find 

The darkened path of life the clearer. 
You give your aid to help mankind. 

So making life a little dearer. 
And hard to feel the chill of hand. 

Averted look or slight still plainer 
Of those who walk the brighter land. 

Content if they are but the gainer. 

This life is such a little thing. 

What hurts or stings not worth the heeding! 
The wound may hardly cease to sting 

When some in turn your aid is needing. 
Then doubt not that a loving care 

Is guiding, though the way be dreary, 
For He who numbers every hair 

Will give support when you are weary. 



IDEALS 55 

Who shapes the snow-flake's star-like mote, 

And marches it in rythmic measure, 
Who guides the pollen by His thought 

To organize another treasure. 
Who leads the rivers in the trees, 

To bud and flower transfiguration, 
How to evolve He wisely sees 

Your highest, best amelioration. 



56 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Starving for Something Beautiful. 

Suggested by hearing a friend say a few days before she died, 
"I am starving for something beautiful." 



/^TARVING for something beautiful, 
2^ Yearning for something bright, 
Thirsting as only soul can thirst 

For color, grace and light. 
Hues harmoniously blended. 

As in the spirit's dream, 
The sunlight making the golden. 

The moon the silver gleam« 

For the fairy forms of beauty, 

That when I close my eyes 
Come hovering all around me, 

Filling with sweet surprise. 
Draperies formed of the twinings 

Of penciled leaf and vine, 
With forms exquisitely moulded, 

Making of life the sign. 

For the brightly, glowing sunshine, 

That creeps where shadows lay. 
Dancing in mystical silence 

Till even they seem gay. 
So full and complete the brightness 

And splendor of which I dream. 
That the glow above is real. 

And shadows only seem. 



STARVING FOR SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL 57 

But open my eyes, and greets me 

Only my darkened room, 
And my heart cries so for the beauties 

I wove in fancy's loom. 
And I try to bring them and hang them 

Upon the bare old wall, 
In the corners dark, where only 

The shade and grayness fall. 

But they vanish as I touch them, 

And heart grows cold and still 
With its load of loves and longings 

That life will never fill. 
Still I thank God for the vision, 

Though it gladdens not my sight, 
For dreams that open the portals 

To the blessed city of light. 

And I know that over the river, 

That now is chilling my feet. 
Prophecies uttered in yearnings 

Will find responses complete; 
That the Father of love and beauty 

Will surely answer my cry. 
My dreams fulfilled to repleteness. 

In beautiful mansions on high. 



58 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 




MAKJORIK 



MARJORIE 



^^EAR little blue-eyed baby girl 
-^y Who set our hearts all in a whirl, 
When you a sweet evangel came, 
Bringing no gifts our love to claim 
But baby fame. 



You precious thing with starry eyes, 
Sweet dreams of heaven in them lies, 
So full of wonder and surprise. 
To kisses cooing queer replies 
With look so wise! 



MARJORIE 59 

Dear dimpled hands that roses vie, 
Does wealth of pearls within them lie? 
That them you hold so close and tight, 
With clinging fingers pink and white, 
You little sprite! 

Never such cunning feet, I trow. 
Ten little rose-buds in a row, 
May they be swift to find the way 
Of golden stairs, day after day, 
Dear little Fay! 

Sweetest evangel may you bear 
To homes and hearts a blessing rare, 
To drive the flitting cares away. 
And line with gold the shadow gray. 
The livelong day! 

Dear little blue-eyes, still be true 
In every thing you find to do, 
Go early sowing precious seeds 
That yet may blossom into deeds. 
And golden sheaves. 



60 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Did I Kiss Him Much To=day? 



D 



ID I kiss him much to-day, 

Hands and hps and cheeks and brow? 
Did he know I loved him so? 
Never can I tell him now. 



Tell me did I kiss him oft, 

As I watched him through the day, 
Dreaming- not the angels then 

Nearer to bear my boy away ? 

''Mamma, read the story through, 
Sit right by me on the bed. " 

Could I know in three short hours, 
I would hold my darling dead? 

"Bessie's Loves, "—I read it through, 
As the dusk grew on apace, 

Had I dreamed, Oh how I should 
Have rained the kisses on his face. 

' 'Now I want to go to sleep, 
Precious mama, let me rest, 

Closely folded in your arms 
And my head upon your breast." 



DID I KISS HIM MUCH TO-DAY ? 61 

Strange I did not understand, 

Patient boy, this cry for sleep, 
Watching all unconscious still, 

While death shadows round you creep. 

He is growing so, so cold, 

As I hug him to my breast. 
0, my sweetheart did I dream 

This could be the longed for rest? 

Now I give you kiss on kiss, 

Lovett, darling, do you know 
How it breaks my heart, dear boy. 

So, so soon to let you go? 

Did a Father need you more? 

Will He better guard and guide? 
my heart's ease, shall we meet, 

Know and love on heaven's side? 

Will you come sometime my sweet. 

With caresses as of yore? 
Shall I feel your influence sweet, 

Guiding as you walk before? 



62 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Welcome to the G. A. R. 



1^ AIL to the veterans who fought for our banner, 
,^/J Advancing it high in the van of the fight, 

^ Who carried the old Ship of State through the breakers 
That angrily threatened through treason's dark night. 

Hail to the soldiers who foot-sore and weary 

Loyally marched to the drum and hfe, 
Valiantly braving the death-storming bullets. 

Bearing their breasts for Columbia's life ! 

How proudly each soldier marched oft to the battle, 
With the daring of boys and endurance of men, 

They come with the silver a-shine in their hair. 
Their feet miss the ringing that followed them there. 

They come, aye! are coming, in touch with the hour. 
Voicing the loyalty then filling each breast, 

Behind them an army all silently lying, 
What love shall we give them, how hallow their rest? 

On land and on sea our flag waves triumphant. 
Not a single star dimmed, not a stain on its fold; 

On earth and on ocean a rainbow of promise 
For liberty's children to cherish and hold. 



WELCOME TO THE G. A. R. 63 

''All is quiet to-day along the Potomac," 
No hell-raining bullets, no sulphurous smoke, 

No groans of the dying, no blood on the river, 
But freedom triumphant God's blessing invoke. 

Now fling out your flags till the city shall blossom. 
Transcendent in beauteous red, white and blue, 

That trembling flame in a great sea of glory, 
With greeting befitting her patriots true. 

Ring the bells, joy-bells, in church, tower and steeple. 
Peal on peal reverberating up to the skies, 

That quivering throb with the hearts of a people 
Who never forget and whose love never dies. 

Boom, boom out your welcome ye deep-throated cannon ! 

As ye boomed out at Sumpter that long April night; 
As ye boomed out at Bull Run, Balls Bluff and Antietam, 

Or triumphantly boomed from Gettysburg height ! 

And shout, gallant freeman, 'till acclaims rend the ether. 
Floating onward, and on, over city and tide, 

'Till Arlington's voices responsively echo 
Their royal salute from the army that died! 



~^^^r 



64 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Ode of Welcome to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge 

of Good Templars. 



BROTHERS and sisters we greet you to-night 
_ With words of welcome, of courage and cheer, 

As we meet again to work for the right, 
And pledge to the cause so vitally dear, 
"The world is our field," our mission is high, 

The fallen to raise, the erring reclaim. 
And out on the breeze, beneath every sky. 

Our banner's afloat, —a high mountain of flame. 

* 
Our army recruited from every land. 
From every nation, color and creed. 
With heart joined to heart and hand within hand. 
Our watchword— for God and humanity's need! 
We honor the hero who dies for the right. 

Where army meets army in deadly array; 
But to live and make live in glorious might 
Is royally grander than brothers to slay. 

Then where there is weakness and sorrow and sin, 

A heart-broken wife or mother to cheer, 
A child or a youth from temptation to win. 

To the waters of life that are sparkling and clear. 
There is our labor and strong arms we'll bear. 

Shirking no duty and fearing no foe. 
"The world is our field," its labors to share 

Our honor and pride wherever we go. 



WELCOME TO GRAND LODGE GOOD TEMPLARS 65 

Then greeting we give, the purest and best, 

Our heartS; as our homes, your presence shall fill 
The north and the south, the east and the west. 

We welcome you all with right royal will! 
From where the Atlantic sobs on by its shore, 

Or peaceful Pacific just kissed by the sand, 
The great restless Gulf makes its deep-sullen roar. 

Or mighty St. Lawrence breaks flood through the land. 
The North Star State greets you with right hearty cheer. 

And again to our cause we pledge you anew; 
Subjects of Briton or subjects of Spain, 

Of dear sunny France or Italy bright! 
Wherever the tempter has planted his bane 

We join you in battle for God and the right. 
No nation, no creed, no high and no low. 

No north and no south, no east and no west, 
Only God's children, enough this to know, 

Then doing our duty we trust Him the rest. 



66 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



PROGRESS. 

a wide swelling sea or limitless ocean, 
A beautiful ship so peerless and white, 
And close by the helm in eager emotion 
Progress is guiding in fearless delight. 

With Venus-like form and Juno-like daring, 
Eyes glowing like stars she peers through the night; 

Minerva might envy her goddess-like bearing 
Veering so wisely from left to the right. 

Stemming the tide of a great rolling river, 

Fearlessly sailing the wide inland seas, 
Never a tremor and never a quiver, 

But bearing her brow to the high northern breeze. 

Touching the shore of a state or a nation, 
The land grows bright and death-shadows flee, 

And sore-hearted men by wise revelation 
Lift their bowed heads and a heritage see. 

Women sad-eyed catch the beautiful vision, 
Watching they wait for the swift-coming dawn, 

Wrapt in the glow of a brighter elysian. 

Keeping their vigils till morrow's high morn. 

And shivering children are warmed in her smiling. 
She bringeth them bread, their hearth fires re-l^ght, 

And laughter and song are sweetly beguiling 
Echoes from homes that are happy and bright. 



PROGRESS 



67 




PROGRESS 



She bruises the sod, the harvests are glowing, _ 
Golden the sheaves, they are bristling with joy. 

Hurrying streams abundantly flowing. 
Turning the wheels in their helpful employ. 

She tears away creeds and blind superstition. 
Then pours in the balm love's alchemists know, 

Humanities bloom with brightest fruition, 
History's pages more luminous grow. 

Slavery, oppression and war's desolation, 
Shrink from the glow of her torches' bright glare; 

Wisdom and kindness and love's inspiration. 
Progress enhances with miracles rare. 

Hail, progress! All Hail! Hail beautiful angel! 

Onward and on all thy messages bear! 
Uphft and inspire, sweetest evangel, 

Till banished from earth all sorrowing care! 



68 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



POVERTV. 




poverty! thou art so cruel ever 

Delighting still to add some sharper pain, 
Vaunting thyself where joyous smiles come never, 
And vanquished bliss shall never come again. 
Pursuing still where men are broken-hearted, 

Haunting them on with thy wild, frenzied eye; 
And high endeavor ever more departed, 
For at thy coming bliss and gladness fly. 

For you, lone wretch, thou art forever waiting, 

And new device of wretchedness employ, 
With every woe and curse retaliating, 

Thou heapest high with almost fiendish joy. 
His was a life-time bristling with pleasure. 

Men crowded hard who should his bounties share, 
Ambition urged and wealth's beguiling treasure, 

Drove far away all thought of doubt and care. 

Still the gay world her revels weirdly keeping, 

Forgets the stabs that poverty must bear, 
Who laughs with you is seldom with you weeping. 

All shrink from pain, from weariness and care, 
Thou bruiseth sore the weary-footed mother 

Slow toiling on that children may have bread- 
And clinging close, aye, closer than a brother, 

Still burdens add until she shrieks with dread. 



POVERTY 69 

She was so happy in her youth's glad morning, ^ 

And peerless grandeur filled her noon-day skies. 
And brighter dreams still seemed forever dawning, 

As visions fair of fame and fortune rise. 
But thou! cruel poverty, pursuing, 

Pinioned her feet and hands securely tied, 
Till all her loves have gone past all returning, 

And faith and hope have faded out and died. 

And ever so in church and state and nation, 

Not for the poor, they keep their vigils long - 
For enterprise and wealth, their legislation. 

Forgetting want and poverty and wrong. 
But never night so long it hath no morning. 

Never a day so long it hath no end; 
Never so low in poverty and sorrow. 

But something still a little hope may lend. 

For poverty has her strong ally — labor. 

And labor is God's lever for the soul. 
And truth is labor's brightly flashing saber, 

Forever pointing to a far-off goal 
Evolved is freedom, often from oppression, 

And rampart wrong has heralded the right. 
And science yields her wonderful possessions 

When want and labor loyally unite. 

Labor has ever healing in her motion. 

She quickens thought and sweetly woos repose, 
And leagued with want she conquers earth and ocean, 

Full high advanced their ensign proudly goes! 
Labor a curse? Ah, no! it is a blessing. 

Easing the heart of weariness and care. 
And want has oft some health or wealth possessing, 

A potent spell to make the world more fair. 



70 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Speak from the Heart. 



SPEAK from the heart! Let every word 
Have the deep ring of truth. 
Responsive minds will feel the sound, 
Returning echoes full and round, 
And the clear music of its tone 
Trills with a magic, all its own. 

Speak from the heart! It's language clear 

Is resonant with life. 
Words insincere, fruit large with pain 

Forever mirrored back again; 
Distorted in another heart. 
Dethroning joy with traitor art. 

Speak from the heart! Honor the one 

With word sincere and true. 
Speaking out bravely for the right. 

Dispelling doubt, distrust and blight. 
The earnest of what life should be 
Is found in truth— truth makes us free. 

Speak from the heart! *' Words only live 

Forever," sages say, 
And on eternity's broad sea 

Ring on with human destiny; 
Their circles widening evermore, 

Touching at last the other shore. 



NOT ALL BAD 71 



Not All Bad. 



The convicts of the Massachusetts penitentiary sent six hundred dollars to the general 
relief fund for Chicago sufferers at the time of the great tire. 

VV^HEN the wail of pain and horror 
.^^X/ From the homeless, houseless crowd, 
Sounded from a burning city, 
Touching- hearts with pleadings loud 
Through the nation, through the nation. 
Quick response brought quick salvation. 

How each heart with pity softened, 

How each hand held out its store, 
For they felt the cry electric 

Loud above the burning roar; 
Brothers still to brothers crying. 
We are stricken, suffering, dying. 

Quick the telegraphic wires 
Flashed it all the wide world round. 

While by telegraph far surer. 
That, by which the soul is bound, 

Heart to heart was interceding 

For humanity's sw^eet pleading. 

And it mattered not what nation, 

Mattered not what sect or creed. 
Whether great or whether lowly, 

But all brothers in their need. 
And the pain their own hearts wringing, 
Deep responses quickly bringing. 



72 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Proving yet again the lesson, 
That whatever Hnk you strike, 

Whether tenth or the tenthousandth, 
Surely breaks the chain alike. 

This the seal of God's own signing, 

And humanity's entwining. 

When this hopeless wail of anguish 
Rent the heavens with its prayer, 

And these victims wild with terror 
Weary sank in chill despair; 

Wondered none, kind hearts were pressing. 

Eager to the work of blessing. 

But from out the dreary prison. 
From the convicts' gloomy cell, 

Did you list for words of pity? 
Look for gifts the aid to swell? 

Dreamed you lives so bleak and lowly 

Could respond so high and holy? 

Mothers may the babes they nourish, 
Bare their bosoms to the cold, 

And brave men to save the weaker 
Died most grandly we are told; 

But these prison men were giving 

From a life that was not living. 

They were wretched; who had pitied? 

Who had cared their lives to bless? 
They were sinning, not deserving, 

So were left to their distress; 
But they heard the homeless crying, 
God will note that grand replying! 



NOT ALL BAD 73 

This was Christ-like, when those wretches 
Hushed their griefs to hear that prayer; 

Angels might have wept for gladness, 
For it proved the true gold there. 

And that God in His refining 

Here must find His image shining. 

Now Chicago in her glory 

Reigns the queen of all the West, 
Does she feel for those in prison? 

Will their lives with care be blessed? 
Will their cell homes be the brighter, 
Made with love and sunshine lighter? 



74 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



LIGHT. 



///^ET there be light!" It was Jehovah's voice 

3^ That made command, and through the great etern 

Responses came as tremulous of choice; 
Thrill upon thrill reverberates in turn. 

Louder and louder swells the glad refrain, 

Quiver on quiver shakes the slumbering earth; 

And rocks and rivers speed the grand acclaim 
Where echoes sound the morn's impassioned birth. 

Revolving swift, currents on currents roll, 
The jeweled tides break from the vasty gloom. 

Electric throes pulse-quick from pole to pole 
And morning stars sing in the great illume. 

Earth, air and ocean palpitate and glow, 

The misty ether trembles in delight. 
In purple splendor mountains brighter grow. 

Sun, moon and stars are throbbing into light. 




TO MARY A. LIVERMORE "^^ 



To Mary A. Livermore on her Eighty-third Birthday. 



f7"RE glory of another star 
Vi^ Is added to thy crown of years, 
Earth and its fleetness move afar 

As the celestial city nears. 
With lengthened days thy hfe is crowned, 

Thy hands are full of golden sheaves, 
And as the glowing numbers round 

Dearer and brighter impress leaves. 

Yes, impress leaves to brighter glow, 

A beacon light to other feet, 
Deeply impressing, ' 'As we sow. 

Must be the harvest we shall reap." 
Wide! Wide! the message thine to bear. 

To blossom in some other life, 
Inspiring still with visions fair 

That sweetly win from wrong and strife. 

Thy love of right hath made thee strong, 

Forceful and earnest to console, 
Untired, though justice tarries long. 

For urge of soul hath made thee bold. 
0! woman, beautiful and true! 

May lengthened days still wreath thy brow, 
God give thee strength and wisdom, too. 

To love compelling all as now. 



76 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Love's Mysteries. 



^T'S ever the same old story 
^3 So often told and retold; 
Its magical, mystical mission, 

Eternities only unfold. 
Burning with fires most celestial, 

Only to freeze with its fears, 
Thrilling with dreams most seraphic, 

Answering only with tears. 

With roses brimming to-morrow 

Saddens and darkens to-day, 
Glowing with skies all empurpled. 

Leaving them sombre and gray. 
Brightly the life blood is bounding, 

As swiftly chilling again, 
Dancing with rapturous passion, 

Deadened with exquisite pain. 

Peasants grow great by its magic. 

Princes bow low to its sway, 
And Poets who sing of its glories 

Pass in repinings away. 
Philosophers calmly explain it. 

Then to its raptures supreme. 
Yielding in willing obedience. 

Smiling in love's blissful dream. 



love's mysteries '77 

The blissful dream has awakening, 

The portion is ever the same, 
And only God's pity can soothe it, 

But Death love's pulses can tame. 
Told in the garden of Eden, 

Aglow with roses of June, 
In the haze of Orient twilight, 

With zephyrs breathing perfume. 

Csesar forgot, in its madness. 

The glint of the old Roman crown, 
Anthony's valor was vanquished 

By the queen of love and renown. 
And so 'twas *'the same old story" 

So often told and retold. 
And so the miracle deepens, 

And still love's mysteries hold. 



78 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Storm on Lake Michigan. 



CEASELESSLY the restless waters 
Dash their bosoms on the shore, 
And they whisper, moan and thunder, 
Till the soul in awe and wonder 
Trembles at the fearful roar. 

Far off waves with stealthy creeping, 

Nearing mount to billows high, 
Wildly, madly inward sweeping. 
Bursting now in angry weeping , 

And expire with moaning sigh. 

Tossing high the foamy feathers, 

Strewing pearls with matchless grace; 

Now receding, now advancing, 

As if all the furies dancing 
Panted for the dizzy race. 

Mustering again their forces, 

In their elemental might, 
Till it seems the powers infernal, 
Must from stores of wrath eternal 

Pour their terrors on the night. 

Woe betide the luckless vessel. 

That with proud, defiant mien, 
Tempted by thy placid smiling, 



STORM ON LAKE MICHIGAN 79 

Dares thy bosom sweet beguiling, 
All thy cruelties unseen. 

0, you mighty waves, resistless, 

Warring with supernal might, — 
Glowing with the shock of battle, 
Thrilling with the crash and rattle 

Of ecstatic wild delight. 

Thou dost charm with power magnetic. 

Rioting, tempestuous sea! 
Waking by thy fierce commotion. 
Awe, akin to deep devotion, 

And I lose myself in thee. 



80 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Where the Ways Parted 

Aunt Mary's Soliloquy. 



"^ chanced to-day on a letter, 
-^^ A letter grown yellow with years, 
Its tone was one of devotion, 

With nothing- of doubting or fear. 
Will you be ever forgotten? 

Will the stars cease shining above? 
Will the sun cease to rise in the morning 

When I cease to remember my love? 

I thought of the olden emotion. 

And how I was thrilled by his words, 
Heart swelling as deep as the ocean. 

Or sweet as the music of birds. 
But our ways had parted forever. 

Life's work each had done in his way, 
The skies not less blue that we parted. 

Nor earth less smiling and gay. 

The world had crowded between us. 

And looking backward 'twould seem 
A spot of mystical beauty, 

A glorious mid-summer dream. 
But never a start of emotion 

As I turned the long written page. 
And in fancy hear the gay laughter 

That once put my heart in a rage. 



WHERE THE WAYS PARTED 81 

Our ways had parted forever, 

But our lives were richer by far, 
For the mystical spirit uplifting, 

That proved a real guiding star. 
For where the ways parted, remember. 

And each one was walking alone, 
A strange inspiration had followed. 

And a wonderful brightness had shone. 

And so it was better we parted. 

E'er we knew we only had dreamed; 
While I to you was an angel. 

And you as Hyperion seemed. 
For the world that is earnest and real, 

Makes poetry vanish from life. 
So better we parted forever. 

That I was never your wife. 




82 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



We Love The Light. 



VV^E love the light for its own sake, 
^^.^z Wherever it is glowing; 

The light of morning, noon or night. 

With inspiration flowing; 
The light of sun and moon and stars, 

So silently revolving, 
That in their solemn, ceaseless rounds, 

Such mysteries are solving. 

We love the rainbow's varied lights, 

That are, alas! so fleeting. 
With royal arch of shades and hues 

So marvelously meeting. 
The light of dew, impearled on grass. 

So brightly, brightly shining. 
The sun reflected in the west 

Through clouds with "silver lining." 

We love the light of ocean shells, 

Where pink and pearl are vying; 
The light that lies in starry eyes. 

All other light defying. 
We love the light of diamonds rare. 

Where flash on flash is sifting; 
Rubies and opals, — amethyst, 

Like brooks with sunlight drifting. 



WE LOVE THE LIGHT 

We love Aurora's shadow light, 

Forever, ever dancing. 
With subtle charge and whirl and flash, 

And motion most enchanting. 
The light that breaks the vasty deep, 

The ocean caves re-lighting, 
That glints and glows amid the waves, 

Its jewels all igniting. 

We love the fire-light's happy glow, 

Where kindly hearts are meeting, 
They bring again the dear old time 

With all its happy greeting. 
We love the light of love divine 

In every heart reflecting, 
We love the Giver of all light. 

All other loves perfecting. 



84 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



ATTRACTION. 




strange and unsolved, this law of attraction, 

That the universe holds, and atoms as well, 
It draws and is drawn by mystical action, 
Or reversed the conditions as swiftly repel. 

And marvelous, too, this strongest of forces, 

Gives never a sign of manifest life, 
And only is known by subtle alluring. 

Of impulses vague as divinity's might. 

And yet all a-thrill is the earth with its magic, 
The planets attentive, their courses complete, 

The physical world, her harmonies blending. 
Humanities heart her responses repeat. 

Sung by the palpitant stars in their orbits, 
The earth by her seasons and cycles and years, 

The ebb and the flow and swelling of ocean. 
And hearts all responsive to smiles and to tears, 

The musical gushing of robin and linnet. 
Rollicking bobolink, blue-bird and thrush, 

The cooing of doves in thickets and meadows, 
And the silence oppressive of eventide hush. 

In the oriole's low, unmusical calling, 
Happily mating midst hedges a-thrill, 

That border with green the half hidden waters. 
That splashes and washes the foot of the hill. 



ATTRACTION 85 

In blossoms galore, pink, golden and purple, 

All seeking affinities, redolent sweet. 
As pollen will ever unerringly wander 

To that which attracts, to perfectness mete. 

The rose or the aster give swift recognition, 

Uplifting its face to the kiss of the sun, 
Attracted, the vine leaps high to the branches. 

Lovingly trailing till summer is done. 

The dew on the mosses and grasses a-glitter, 
Impearled, it may be, but the space of an hour, 

Responsively rounds and thrills as the planets. 
By this law of attraction's mysterious power. 



86 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



The Treasury of the Snow- 

"Have you considered the Treasury ol' the Snow?" Job. 



VV^ERRILY the snow is falling, 

^ I l Fairy flakes to flakes are calling 

In their wild delight; 
Gaily on and on still trooping, 
Not for trees or forests stooping 
In their rythmic flight. 

On the starry host is going. 
Like the river's constant flowing, 

Lances glistening bright; 
Every hill and vale possessing, 
Spread their tents for sweet refreshing 

And their camp-fire's light. 

How the little Arabs flying, 

Now and then their wings applying, 

Whirl in mimic rhyme; 
Liliputian army, drifting, 
Here and there forever shifting, 

Careless seem of time. 

Careless? Not one atom winging, 
But in harmony is swinging 
Constant to the spheres; 
Each for measure, measure showing. 



THE TREASURY OF THE SNOW 87 

Time for time forever flowing, 
Stern precision nears. 

Potent and mysterious forces, 
Not the lightest flake divorces 

From the great intent; 
As attentive planets coursing 
Ever yield to subtle forcing, 

Naught can circumvent. 

So these white-robed scouts on duty 
In a thousand forms of beauty 

Do the work assigned; 
By this magic law of sixes, 
That their being intermixes. 

All is well defined. 

Snowflakes still with lessons glowing. 
Wondrous miracles are showing. 

Making life's delight; 
Marvel, love and adoration. 
Learn we by this revelation, 

Of a snow-fall light. 



~^^^r 



88 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Myrtle's Dream. 



/r^-INGERED the twilight on the distant hill, 
32^ Loitered the river round the quiet mill; 

The sky was blushing from the sun's last kiss, 
And crimsoned still with its delicious bliss; 
But he was by her side, and summer's glory 
Was banished quite by love's sweet allegory. 

The bobolink had found its grassy nest, 

But warbled still, hushing itself to rest; 

Robin redbreast, whip-poor-will and linnet. 

Chanted a song with sleepy quivers in it; 

He murmured low, had ever song of bird 

Within her breast such rhythmic measures stirred? 

The children stringing daisies on the green, 
Counting their petals, singing rhymes between; 
Holding the buttercup beneath the chin, 
Blowing the thistle to tell if wishes win; 
Linking their leafy chains, might happy seem, 
But not such bliss as filled our Myrtle's dream. 

The pearly immortelles and marguerites. 

Whispering to grasses all their secrets sweet; 

All the zephyrs through the woodland singing, 

All the golden lily bells a-ringing 

Could not by half such ecstasy express 

As when his kisses on her lips were pressed. 



myrtle's dream 89 

Oh, there are moments when a world of bliss 

Is rounded full in one delicious kiss; 

And there are moments when a life would seem 

To find its measure in a dream supreme; 

When love's sweet rapture makes the senses reel, 

And hearts seem bursting with the joy we feel. 



The cold, gray clouds are drifting swift and low. 
The leafless boughs are swinging to and fro, 
The sun is setting in a misty chill, 
The goldenrod is brown upon the hill ; 
But Myrtle sits alone, her love dream o'er. 
Her world as dark as it was bright before. 

Oh, there are moments when the pains of hell 
Alone can all the soul's deep anguish tell; 
When love's red lightning makes its cruel aim, 
Scorches and burns the heart with cruel pain. 
Another's head is pillowed on his breast. 
Another dreams none ever half so blest. 



90 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Summer Rain. 



PATTER, patter, tinkle, tinkle. 
Most delightful summer rain; 
Humming, humming, twinkle, twinkle, 
How the waters dance and wrinkle. 
As a thousand pearl drops sprinkle 
Meadow, river, lake and lane. 

Softly sighing, softly winging, 

Midst the apple-blossom snow; 
Joyous tidings deftly bringing. 
Setting lily-bells a-ringing. 
While a soft, melodious singing 

Swells the chorus of its flow. 

Now the whispering grasses bending 

Flirt with daisies hidden low, 
And the silver spray descending 
Fill the golden cups extending. 
While the flowers, bright glances sending. 

Smiling thank the sparkling flow. 

Whirling, dimpling, bubbling, splashing, 

On the pavement, on the street, 
And the crystal waters flashing. 
Seem in rythmic measure dashing, 
Waking memories by their splashing. 
Setting them to music sweet. 



A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN 91 

A Beautiful Woman. 

In Menioriam. 



/^ loving, beautiful woman, I said, 
^J^ Over and over the livelong day. 

When they had whispered she was dead. 

That the pure spirit had passed away, 
Still the dear face kept hovering near, 

Beautiful woman! I said again, 
As the fair brow and the eye sincere 

Shadowed my heart with a weary pain. 

Lovingly earnest, the face still there. 

And with just the same life-like repose, 
As the saddened smile she used to wear 

Seemed only as fragrance to the rose. 
A beautiful woman! little we dream 

The height and depth that the words convey, 
How pain's full measure or joy supreme 

Its impress leaves on spirit and clay. 

The subtle glow a-shine in the face, 

Giving the eye mysterious power, 
Thrilling with an all unconscious grace. 

Something apart, as perfume and flower. 
This the beautiful woman we knew— 

This the celestial body foretold. 
Slowly building, symmetrical, true. 

In this transcendently higher mold. 



92 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

This beautiful woman knows no death, 

Only unclasped by a Father's hand 
Is this wonderful fetter of breath 

That holds two lives in its mystic band. 
Honest, faithful, kind, loving and true. 

Child, sister, maiden, mother and wife, 
As higher thy fair ideals grew, 

Refining and chastening thy life. 

The one of earth with the earth shall rest, 

But that of soul, of beauty and grace. 
Adorning the clay, — a transient guest. 

Finds brighter life in a better place. 
Farewell! farewell! with many a tear 

We lay thee, darling, to thy rest! 
Thy spirit to God who gave it, dear. 

And will strive to feel He knoweth best. 



APRIL 



93 




APRIL 



APRIL. 



C>PRIL days again are comiDg, 
\ Merrily the streams are humming 
Murmurous in song. 
All their icy chains asunder, 
Greening meadows smile in wonder 
As they rush along. 

Warm-breathed April, winsome, smiling. 
Bright, capricious and beguiling, 

Waking wood-land dells. 
Anemones and violets springing. 
Where thy joyous steps are ringing 

Bright with daffodils. 



94 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Star-lit fields are green and fallow, 
Where the dandelion, yellow. 

Golden-hearted gleams. 
Crocuses, like cloud rifts lying, 
Prairie winds are softly sighing 

Sensuous as dreams. 

Maples bask in scarlet glory, 
Zephyrs quickly tell the story 

To the tasseled trees. 
South wind every bloom caresses, 
Snowdrops vie with water cresses 

In their art to please. 

Orioles, vermilion flying. 

In a flash of sunshine's dyeing 

Seem the soul of fire. 
All aglow with southern splendor. 
All thy notes so weird and tender 

Loving hearts inspire. 

Blackbirds clamorous are singing, 
Jubilant the air is ringing 

With their roundelay. 
Robins trill their love-notes mellow, 
Building nests in birch and willow 

Through the livelong day. 

Song galore, the thrush and linnet 
Flood with music every minute 

All the ambient air. 
Bobolinks their sweethearts calling. 
Rollicking as v/aters falling 

Are their carols rare. 



APRIL 

But why tears, 0! April merry? 
Is thy heart forever weary 

That thine eyes are wet? 
Weep you that the hours are fleeting? 
Hardly stilled the words of greeting 

E'er life's sun has set? 

Blithesome April! cease thy sighing, 
Learn this lesson, all are dying- 
Dying into life. 
Springtime dies in summer glory. 
Summer soon repeats the story 
In the harvest rife. 



95 




96 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



FANCY. 




IVINEST gift ever to mortals given, 

Gold fretting e'en the saddest, somberest hours, 
Upgathering threads a sterner fate had riven, 
Welding again with wondrous, witching power. 

The darkest hours we dwell in fields elysian, 
Glow in the white heat of celestial fire. 

And through the mist of amethystine vision 
We are possessed of what we most desire. 

No sea so broad but she outrides its billows, 
No stream so swift her feet are not more fleet. 

Forest and lake or shallows, reeds and willows. 
Have made response in songs she made more sweet. 

No throne so high her flight has not transcended. 
Borne on her wings the peasant is a king; 

The purple splendor, loyal arms defended. 

Knows not the joys that her bright minions bring. 

No dungeon deep, however dark and dreary. 

Can bar the coming of her silent feet; 
No wretch so low, however sad and weary. 

But sometimes thrills to fancies good and sweet. 

As high as heaven, as wide as earth and ocean, 
She revels free, defying bars and bands; 

From priest or king she challenges]devotion. 
None are exempt from her all-potent wand. 



FANCY 97 

Subtle as ether! Cunning- in devices! 

Aurora's lights are not more fleet or rare! 
On ozone wings she floats midst tropic spices, 

Bright as the sun and as the moonbeams fair. 

She dazzles youth with love-dreams softly glowing, 

Red roses warm in hues of orient dyes; 
Man, health and honor, station deftly showing, 

Beaming in gold her occidental skies. 

Her starry feet have crossed the mystic river, 
Returned our loved, we hold them once again; 

Longings fulfilled we almost feel the quiver 
Of loving lips that would assuage our pain. 

Goddess divine! vouchsafe thy strong uplifting. 
Inspiring still when spirit fires burn low; 

0! light the way where we are drifting, drifting, 
With beauties high that grand ideals grow. 



98 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 



TA-yjr'-'^yi'i 




*;- V ..ii[i>4%v".;.i-. .ii' ';'t>?^^i 







OUTWARD BOUND 



Outward Bound. 



"^ am watching the white-winged ships go by, 
-^3 ^s they ride on the trackless deep, 
Dreamily fair is the star-illumed sky, 

And the mighty billows asleep. 
I follow them still, far over the blue. 

As onward they royally ride, 
Their towering masts so staunch and so true. 

Defying the tempest and tide. 



OUTWARD BOUND 99 

I wonder what fate encircles their way 

As they vanish out of my sight, 
Their canvas making a shadowy play 

In the mists of the distant light 
What fond hopes are freighting the goodly ship? 

What prayers out-winging each sail? 
Will the wail of despair the wild winds waft, 

Or joys most ineffable hail? 

Will they drift along with the summer breeze, 

Caressing each quivering fold? 
Or find their graves in the treacherous seas 

That the reveling breakers hold? 
But my phantom sails are vanishing slow. 

Far over the star-bedight seas, 
And they swell and flow and joyfully go, 

Cajoled by the whispering breeze. 




100 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Can Vou AtYord It? 



AN you afford it? The day is bright, 
It is the time to plant and sow; 
Can you make merry and squander the light, 
Letting the spring and the seedtime go? 

Can you afford it? Your pulses run high, 
You should be strong for earnest strife, 

Carelessly letting the days go by, 
Making no mark in the best of life? 

Can you afford it? It must be clear, 
You need your best of heart and brain, 

To waste and dissipate and sear, 
You take the weakness, loss and pain. 

Can you afford it? An honest name 

Is better far than riches here, 
To jeopardize a spotless fame, — 

Do you not see you pay too dear? 

Can you afford it? Brain must be clear. 
Heart pure, arms strong, valiant to do! 

There's always demand for men sincere. 
Men who are ready, loyal and true. 



AM I ALONE 101 

Am I Alone? 

(Written at Green Lake in the Rocky Mts.) 



aM I alone? Rocky mountains 
Upward soar on every hand, 
Piercing, seemingly, the heavens 
With their massive colunins grand, 
And the blue still overarching. 

All these granite pillars spanned, 
Makes a temple most transcendent, 
Formed by Deity's own hand. 

Rushing waters, leaping, laughing, 

In a wild, tumultuous dream, 
Over rocks are deftly weaving 

Foamy lace adown the stream. 
Reveling in pearls and opals, 

Rioting in bliss supreme, 
Waking, longing for the loved ones, 

Till their presence real seems. 

And I cry, would they were near ma, 

Could these wondrous glories share, 
Catch this miracle of beauty. 

Feel the upward, lifting prayer. 
That from mount and valley riseth, 

Outward floating on the air. 
Sobbing pine trees, singing waters, 

Murmuring winds all blending there. 

Am I alone? No. I have them. 

Each had answered to my cry. 
Time and distance cannot sever. 

Love to love will make reply. 
And the soul to soul responsive. 

All ignoring time and space. 
Feeling kindred spirit calling. 

Quickly flies to its embrace. 



102 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 




OUR BABIES 



Our Babies. 



'fT^y^O little sprites come to my room 
S^ With gleeful shouts and merry dancing, 
They brush away the cobweb gloom 
With feet forever gaily prancing. 

Such soulful eyes of heaven's blue, 
Such wealth of love within them glowing. 

With tresses, sunlight glinting through, 
Sweet dimpled cheeks and glances knowing. 



OUR BABIES 103 

Forever gliding in and out, 

Like shadows from the sunshine hiding, 
And fearing nothing, nothing doubt. 

They revel in a faith abiding. 

Sweet Heart and Heart's Ease are the names 
And nom de plumes that they are sailing, 

In all their merry romps and games 
We find them true and still unfailing. 

Dear, sweet evangels, bringing cheer 
In roguish pranks, my boy the winner, 

Face very like a saint sincere, 

Dear, loveable and winsome sinner. 

With loving arms around my neck, 

''God will keep care of 'oo, " he's saying, 

Will boons unanswered never wreck 
His soul's undoubted trust in praying? 

Now little three years, precious girl, 
With earnest eyes so quickly lighting. 

Comes with bewitching toss of curl 
And querries, "Nana, what 'oo writing?" 

How oft I look into your eyes. 

Sweet violets with thoughts awaking. 

And awe is mingled with surprise 

That baby thought such strides are making. 

They rule the house with kisses sweet. 
Dear, dimpled hands, with roses vying. 

Ignoring all the rules complete, 
And lovingly all laws defying. 



104 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Such storms of questions come amain, 
Of sun and moon and starry lighting, 

What makes the rainbow and the rain? 
Our constant help they are inviting. 

Who made the world and trees and flowers? 

And who made God? Oh, questions trying! 
What makes the bright, electric showers? 

They rack our brains with baby prying. 

Why do we die? They learn that, too! 

How spirits go and where are living? 
And what are spirits? Tell me true, 

And still we give and still are giving. 

Dear little ones, I query still 
The very questions you are solving. 

And still I ask, and famished still 
For higher life and light evolving. 

Ah, little sunny heads too soon 
These mighty questions you are trying, 

For they will weary e'er the noon, 
And vex you that there's no replying. 

Dear little Sweet Heart, keep your trust, 
And still believe, true to the yearning, 

We know so little that we must 
Be very reverent in learning. 

God has implanted in each breast 
This longing for a life undying. 

And hope, His very best behest. 

Thrills every heart, its doubts defying. 



THAT OTHER DAY 1^^ 



That Other Day. 

To My Husband. 



^N dreams comes back ''that other day, 
,»^ In smihng, rosy June, 

When all the birds were caroling 
Their sweetest song in tune; 

And you and I walked down the lane 
That lay through shining green, 

A silver ribbon rippled on 
Through flowery banks between. 

We loitered by the rustic bridge 
That spanned the little stream, 

And forests clasped their hands above 
A perfect sylvan dream. 

We two were mirrored in the wave, 
While whispering boughs o'er head 

Seemed to be saying all the while 
The very words you said. 

We peered through birches on its brink 

To perfect sapphire skies, 
And all the world seemed just as fair 

To love's enchanted eyes. 



106 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

We doubted others e'er had loved 

As we, that happy day, 
That other skies had been as fair 

Above Hfe's perfect v/ay. 

That other castles had been reared 

So pink and pearly white, 
Base, arch and frieze so firm and fair, 

So radiantly bright. 

The same old story told again, 

The brook sang gaily on, 
Floating along our fairy ship 

The jeweled hour was gone. 

We saw the waves grow amethyst 

From rose of setting sun. 
In perfect trust of ''Love's young dream' 

That other day was done. 



HON. WILLIAM WINDOM 107 



Hon. William Windom, of Minnesota. 



In Memoriam. 



a 



glorious life! brave, truthful and loyal, 

Earnest for right in life's devious ways, 

To pass with lips warm, with utterance royal, 

To silence compelling all other than praise. 



To have the ears ringing with sweet adulation. 
Rapturous thrilling, responsive to cheers. 

Earnestly urging the weal of a nation, 
Inspired and inspiring with wisdom of seers. 

More from the earth can one take through the portals. 
How add to life's crown a lustre more fair, 

Then incense of love of spirits immortal. 
Inspired and uplifted by wisdom and care. 

Far greater to leave thy seal on the nation. 
Of honor and manhood, of justice and right, 

And richer by far a people's oblation, 

For impress bequeathed to their sovereign might. 



108 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

What Does It Matter. 



SOMETIMES 'tis hard to do your best, 
And strain each nerve to high endeavor, 
To make the most of hfe's behest, 
And stem the tide with never favor. 
To have it said he did not do 

This thing or that they find still wanting, 
But never raise a hand to do. 
Nor find a pang of duty haunting. 

Yes, sometimes hard to hush your pain. 

To soothe some brow you knov/ is aching, 
To put aside all hope of gain, 

Another's comfort to be making; 
Than have them never know the cost. 

Nor size the burdens you are bearing, 
Or stop to question what you lost. 

While other's griefs you had been sharing. 

Yes, sometimes hard to keep life sweet. 

To higher issues, still aspiring, 
Love, lore, art, beauty, all complete. 

In the most reverent desiring. 
When never sympathetic smile 

Comes in a cheering recognition. 
Until you safely rest the while^ 

Where hope has found its bright fruition. 

But then what matters this to you. 

Who do your best, in joy or sorrow! 
If you are pure and sweet and true. 

Who aids to-day v/ill aid to-morrow. 
And though you clasp no helping hand, 

You may assist another's rising; 
And every effort made or planned 

Will give you wealth of strength surprising, 



DREAMS 109 

DREAMS. 



^^N REAMS ever an illusion seem, 
^^^ But facts are mothered by a dream. 

Peerless Electra, queen to-day, 
But yester's dream is here to stay. 

All dreamers feel the skeptic's ban 
In every good they bring to man, 
But once fruition holds its sway, 
The world will cheer, as well they may. 
Dreams that possess and hold the mind. 
Full often rich fulfillment find; 
Open the doors and give them cheer! 
Then listen to their message clear! 

Columbus dreamed of worlds afar. 
And guided only by a star, 
He boldly crossed the ocean blue. 
And an old world was born anew. 

Newton had dreamed, and plainly saw, 
And taught the world attraction's law — 
That this great force with guiding hand 
Held worlds and planets in command. 
Watts did of locomotion dream, 
Ocean and earth are spanned by steam. 
And time and distance hold no more 
The destinies of man in store. 

Franklin beheld the lightning's play, 
And dreamed they might man's will obey; 



110 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

He coaxed them from the clouds away, 
And earth is luminous to-day. 

And Morse still dreamed and visions wrought 
Of lightning harnessed to a thought 
Dispelhng time and tide; 'tis clear 
The world was ready for the seer. 

Marconi dreams that thoughts are things 
And only waiting for their wings, — 
And the realties' bright rays 
Transcend the dream a thousand ways. 
Were this not so they could not go 
And round the world a record show. 

Edison had dreams of forces grand 

Held firmly by a wizard hand, 

More potent than Prometheus' fire, 

Man to ameliorate, inspire. 

Naught in mythology or art 

Could lift the world's great throbbing heart; 

With half the wondrous glories brought 

By Edison's dreams wrought out by thought. 

Dreams are evangels sent before, 
To clear the way for truth to soar. 
Then dreamers dream, and Time, the seer- 
Great alchemist will make them clear. 
Minerva, Mercury are slow 
To bear the messages aglow 
With blessings by the dreamers sent 
For man's uplifting and content. 



TRIBUTE TO GENERAL GRANT HI 



Tribute to General Grant. 



^ OLUMBI A mourns her son, and bowed in sorrow 
C!V_^ Draws her bright mantle o'er his silent breast, 
And folds him in her arms, for on the morrow 
With her departed heroes he shall rest. 

The North and South, and East and West uniting. 

Bring immortelles, and leave them on his bier. 
And the sweet incense for a country's plighting 

Makes bliss immortal more divinely dear. 

And dusky millions with their hands uplifted, 
Free from all shackles kneel beside him here; 

Exultant freedom! with all bondage rifted, 
Crown him with blessings of a love sincere! 

A common woe thrills and unites the nation, 
A country's love quickens in one caress. 

That humbly feels how poor is all oblation, 
She may return for what he did to bless. 

A son of toil, he rose by plainest duty 
To be acknowledged peer of prince or king; 

And honest work bloomed into royal beauty 
His legacy as the most precious thing. 



112 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

The funeral cortege winding down the mountain, 
In all the pomp and pageantry of state, 

Sublimer grows as the o'erflowing fountain 
Of love's sweet homage to her chieftain great. 

The starry flag at half-mast waving slowly, 
The muflled drum, the solemn, measured tread 

Of great processions in their grief bowed lowly, 
Bear witness how a nation's heart has bled. 

The booming gun that thunders through the mountain, 
And sends its echoes shuddering through the vale. 

The tolling bell, its mournful numbers counting, 
But fitly voice a nation's saddened wail. 

The last triumphant march in peaceful glory, 
From Mt. McGregor downward to the sea 

Is finished, but Ulysses Grant in story 
Lives the inspiring genius of the free. 

Soldier and statesman, victor calmly sleeping, 

Love's benediction hallowing thy rest. 
Live on for aye, safe in thy country's keeping, 

While native land close folds thee to her breast. 

Boom, cannon, boom! from ocean to the ocean! 

And mufifled drums with sweet emotion swell; 
Toll, tolling bell, a nation's deep devotion, 

Wave banners, wave, a country's fond farewell! 



WHAT HE PAID 



113 



What He Paid. 



yyNITH smiling skies so softly o'er us bending, 
l^XJ And swelling music flooding all the air, 

Bright, curling banners, their enchantments lending, 
As breezes woo their silken foldings rare. 

Most joyfully the surging crowd is swaying. 

Exultant eyes are softly glowing bright; 
And veterans tramp to a full chorus playing, 

With heads erect, a grand and goodly sight. 

How proudly, too, each loyal heart is beating. 

Inspiring all with thoughts of long ago; 
When wearily there comes a one-legged soldier, 

Filling the ranks with measured steps, and slow. 

How every pulse is timed to his slow measure. 
How quickly pain has entered every breast; 

God! how he has paid for this great treasure 
We celebrate as freedom's best behest! 

How he has paid with poverty and sorrow. 
With hope and ease that have forever flown; 

Fame and ambition bringing him no morrow, 
Loveless, perchance, he bears his cross alone. 



114 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

A mighty host all silently are pleading 

For just appreciation. Direst pain, 
Hopes unfulfilled, mained limbs and hearts still bleeding, 

Are what he paid, is paying for their gain. 

0, proud Columbia! cherish these so loyal. 
Who in thy need stood faithful by thy side, 

And show remembrance of their deeds so royal 
In care for those who live as those who died. 

Naught for the dead, so little for the living. 
Canst thou bestow for the great boon they gave. 

Then show thy love in grateful, careful giving. 
And prove a nation wise as well as brave. 



MYSTERY 11^ 



MVSTERV. 



^ S it life or is it death? 
^ This I question o'er and o'er; 
Everything is here but breath, 

All that we had loved before. 
Just the same dark, clustering hair, 

Drooping lids but shade the eyes, 
And methinks the love-light there, 

Should they open in surprise. 

Still the sculptors dream as fair! 

Could we solve these mystic ties! 
Lips the same expression wears^ 

Though this silence on them Hes. 
What is this mysterious power 

That has fallen on thy breast? 
Is it life's supremest hour? 

Or is it a dreamless rest? 

More than these then somewhere still 

All this charming force abides, 
Safely working out His will, 

But ever His, whate'er betides. 
Father, give us perfect trust, 

Though we may not see the way, 
All our hearts interpret just 

Crying ever for the day. 



116 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



The Hour Before Dawn 



' ^Y^JIE darkest hour is just before day," 
v*^ Over and over the words we say, 

As borne along on the waves of life 
Wounded and hurt by the whirl and strife. 
We bind the bruises and hopefully say, 
''The darkest hour is just before day." 

Our castles have fallen, our dreams long flown, 

The works of our hands around us are strown, 

A mass of ruins as desolate 

As the Sahara's, and dark as fate. 

Just as assuringly hope will say, 

"The darkest hour is just before day." 

Then up again and onward we press. 
Our feet are bleeding, oar hearts no less, 
Fainting we fall, and are cheated again, 
Our mirage of bliss proved only a pain. 
Still just as smiling hope will say, 
''The darkest time is just before day." 

Friends proved faithless, like shadows they fled, 
Alone! alone! we stood by our dead! 
Hushing the sobs we would not complain 
For soon we have our loved ones again; 
And Faith and Hope unitedly say, 
"The darkest hour is just before day." 



THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN 117 

And Hope may be right, we know not all 
Of God's great plan for His children small, 
And all may be right if understood 
In the sweet light of His fatherhood. 
The angel Hope may truthfully say, 
"The darkest hour is just before day." 

Success is never just what it would seem, 
Nor failure as bad as often we dream. 
What is, is right, the poet hath said; 
His ways are right if aright they are read. 
The ministering angel Hope may say, 
''The darkest hour is just before day." 

If aspiring ambition and aim 
Still makes the most of the heart and brain, 
And effort, not gain, is best for the soul. 
Enriching it still as days onward roll. 
Then Hope may most triumphantly say, 
''The darkest hour is just before day. " 



118 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



'Cast thy Bread Upon the Waters. 



CAST your bread upon the waters, 
And it shall return again 
After many days with blessings, 
Soothing like refreshing rain. 
Never question shall it profit 

To do any kindly deed. 
But let heart and hand be ready 
To give aid in every need. 

Not great hoards of gold and silver 

Are required this help to give, 
But a loving, kindly purpose. 

May aid others yet to live. 
Is it courage they are wanting? 

Speak a word of healthful cheer. 
It may only be the speaking 

That shall make the future clear. 

If some weary one has fallen 

In temptation by the way. 
And is saying, ' 'No use trying, 

I have striven not to stray, ' ' 
Say so gently, it is human. 

None are perfect, none are good; 
None can say that they have ever 

Sin, the tempter quite withstood. 



CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERS 119 

Not exactly like their neighbors, 

But all slip'ry paths have found, 
And each foot has sometimes stumbled 

Here or there in life's great round. 
Try again, be not discouraged. 

Better you have learned the way, 
Then, perchance, you walked in darkness, 

Morning now, and perfect day. 

Rouse and raise a voice of warning, 
Thousands crowd the path you trod; 

Turn your fall into a blessing, 
Such repentance pleaseth God. 



-^^r 



120 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Our Country. 



^^HE brightest, dearest, fairest land, 
^_g ' Most glorious of earth, 

Is this, our own dear native land, 
The land that gave us birth. 

Aurora's first pellucid beam 

Kisses her rock-bound shore, 
And loving benedictions seem 

To whisper o'er and o'er. 

Her swelling hills and forests' dells, 

In grandeur unsurpassed, 
Her meadow^s, brooks and ledgy fells, 

Enchanting first and last. 

Her prairies broad, bounding the sight. 

With ether's trembling rim. 
Where acres fallow, warm and bright 

With blessings fairly brim. 

Majestic rivers, swift and deep. 

Tumultuous and strong. 
The nation's wealth with curve and sweep 

So proudly bear along. 

Her rifted mountains glowing white 

In heaven's caressing blue, 
With adoration and delight 

Enthrall our hearts anew. 



OUR COUNTRY 

Her harvests broad, her mines are deep, 
Her people strong and brave, 

Where wiUing hands still sow and reap 
With never serf or slave. 

Our flag, the hope of every land. 

Blossoms on every sea, 
By freedom's inspiration fanned, 

Symbol of Liberty! 

The fairest gift within her hand 

To all alike is free, 
Her public schools, so wisely planned, 

Safeguard her liberty. 

Her Sabbath bells are sweet and clear 

As joyfully they ring, 
Worship sincere with none to fear, 

To all good tidings bring. 

Born of the ages, rise in might, 

Thy destiny fulfill! 
For God is God, and Right is Right! 

And all must work His will. 



121 




122 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Keep Vour Courage. 



^^F you find your burden heavy, 
-^^ Wearisome and hard to bear, 
Meet it bravely, never falter, 

Gird your heart to do or dare ; 
Stronger you will grow and stronger 

With each new and added care. 

If the shadows lengthen ever, 
O'er the steep and toilsome way, 

'Neath your feet you surely hold them 
When the sun has reached midday; 

And from thence they will behind you 
As they did before you lay. 

Though the skies are dark and cloudy, 
Keep your courage, never mind! 

For the sun will shine to-morrow 
Just as bright and sweetly kind; 

And a joy be born of sorrow. 
Making life a thing sublime. 

Never night without a morning. 

Bare your arm and take good cheer, 
Never road without a turning, 

Up and onward, never fear; 
Soon your life shall lie before you 

With the wav divinelv clear. 



BEREAVED 123 



BEREAVED. 



^"0 lose the inspiration out of life, 
\^^ To plod along alway by paths diverging, 
Feeling the want of something undefined. 
And which the soul's necessity is urging. 

And what this loss? How faintly words can tell, 
All language fails, the heart alone defining; 

A subtle influence yet may comprehend 
The whole of life with all its fine assigning. 

No matter what we name this unexpressed. 
It still is real, impressing, animating; 

Arousing all the latent fires of life 
With brightest possibilities elating. 

Ah, sad indeed, whatever else is gained, 
To feel this sense of loss forever waking; 

When breath of blossoms, music's softest strain, 
A word, a thought, may set the lone heart aching. 



124 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



O Innpenetrable Future. 



(D 



UT into the unknown future 
Of a deep, mysterious sea, 
Thou hast vanished from our vision 
In the great immensity. 



And a deeply solemn feeling, 
Fills and overwhelms the soul. 

As we try to catch the glimmer 
Of the mystic, unseen goal. 

0! impenetrable future, 

All inscrutable the way, 
How our eager eyes are searching. 

If to catch some hopeful ray! 

Shall an echo never, never 
Of thy voice come back again? 

Bearing some assuring message 
To assuage this longing pain? 

Shall the soul still calling, calling, 
Never hear responses sweet? 

And this yearning for thee, darling. 
Bring no thrill with love replete? 



IMPENETRABLE FUTURE 125 

Was each cord forever broken 

By this subtle tie of breath? 
Not one silent, loving token? 

Then this sleep is surely death! 

Loving faith will not surrender, 

Soul avers she sees and hears, 
Feels thy loving presence ever 

Comforting when sorrow nears. 

Hope can almost see the glimmer 

Of thy robes etherial white, 
And a radiant face surrounded 

By a fair, celestial light. 

Even in the rocks and ether 

Thrills a life, defying sight, 
Then this psychic force can never 

Lose itself in soulless night. 

For this form of love and beauty. 

Image of our God divine, 
Breath of Him, the life within us. 

We will trust His love benign. 

Hear the Saviour sweetly saying, 

'1 a mansion will prepare," 
And how gratefully we leave thee, 

Darling, to His tender care. 



126 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Out on the Plains. 



w 



AY out on the plains, wide spreading, 

As far as sight can reach, 
Where green-brown lands are stretching 
A waved-washed ocean beach. 
The blue of heaven above me, 

The great seared waste below, 
That far, far off in the distance 
Are meeting and blending slow. 

My soul is awed with its vastness, 

So silent the old earth lies. 
Solemn and grand and eternal, 

Spanned by the o'er-arching skies; 
Wider and wider out-reaching. 

Unbroken by river or tree, 
As if the dreary expanses 

Lovingly folded the sea. 

The sun in glory resplendent, 

Down-sinking in billows of fire. 
All the horizon is golden. 

Clouds flaming higher and higher. 
That deepen into vermilion. 

To mellow in amethyst light; 
And the rosy glow of the twilight 

Has purpled into the night. 

Luna, with silvery garments. 

Comes sailing into the night. 
Her starry train close follows,^ 

Be jeweled and sparkling bright. 
So filling the dome with angels, 

That Titian nor Angelo knew. 
The same that chanted the chorus 

Dawning creation's review. 



THOUGHT 127 



THOUGHT. 



©wonderful, mysterious thought! 
That holds the universe at will, 
Art never fettered, sold or bought, 
But higher soar and higher still; 
Thou art not bounded by the stars. 

Or by the ether's purpled rim, 

But onward speed to fiery Mars, 

Or onward still to planets dim. 

No prison walls can bar thy feet. 

No dungeon cell can stay thy flight. 
Still as the lightning wings more fleet, 

Thou art too swift for mortal sight; 
But still this mortal body holds 

Thee with such subtle, tender thread. 
And no philosopher unfolds. 

Where thought abides when life has fled. 

But holy writ has called us oft 

''The temple of the living God." 
Then is it this we call just thought? 

No longer fettered by the clay? 
Shall I still be a living thought 

When earth to earth has passed away? 
Loving, uplifting, working still. 

Inspiring deeper, grander strife, 
Then soul-full thought still work thy will, 

Till death is swallowed up in life. 



128 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Then Cometh the Morning. 



CIFT up your heads and be not doubting! 
_^ God is God, so have no fear! 

Lo! the Eastern clouds are lighting, 
* 'Peace on earth" comes sweetly clear. 
All the earth in travail groaneth. 

Heralding the birth of dawn, 
Ushering the day prophetic 
Of humanities new born. 

Though afar the roar of battle, 

Dying groans and anguished cries, 
There shall rise a fair to-morrow, 

Brightening all the orient skies. 
Man shall rise to fairer vision. 

Forceful thought and quickened life- 
Banished tyranny, oppression, 

Hushed the din of war and strife. 

What though still the shadows gather 

With the coming of the dawn, 
All earth's weary toilers watching, 

Feel the stir of coming morn. 
Music of the forge and anvil 

Rings with hope's magnetic fire. 
Mines and mills with larger promise 

Eager hearts and hands inspire. 



THEN COMETH THE MORNING 129 

Science, with her new found forces, 

Spanning ocean, earth and time— 
Marvelous the revelations 

Wakened by a century's chime. 
All the treasuries of nations 

Pour their riches at our feet; 
Knowledge of all seers and sages 

Brings a wisdom most complete. 

Possibilities are waiting. 

Greater and more wondrous far, 
Quickened human life uplifting, 

Love's own light the guiding star. 
So the coming man and woman 

Must courageous be, and strong, 
Hearts to feel the woes of ages, 

Ears to hear the wail of wrong. 

Ken to see beyond the glamour 

Of the brightly glowing gold. 
Wise to guide that truth and justice 

By its glint shall not be sold. 
Honest, earnest thought and action, 

Faith sublime and love sincere. 
Jeweled are the hours and minutes 

God's own hand is guiding clear. 



-^^ 



130 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

SUCCESS. 



^^ will succeed! God helping me, 
^^ Though step by step I make my way, 
However rough the path may be 

I will not doubt, but work and pray! 
I will succeed, though storms may blow. 

Though clouds drift low and skies obscure, 
And darkness shrouds the way I go, 

I'll learn to wait and to endure. 

The world is ripe for willing hands, 

Where heart beats quick and pulse runs high, 
That swell to burst the slavish bands 

That trammel souls that feign would fly. 
There's words for freedom to be said, 

For justice in her rusty chains. 
There's wrong to conquer, right to spread. 

In by-ways, high-ways broad and lanes, 

Where hearts grown dark and hard with pain. 

Fear and distrust and burning wrong, 
Where weary feet, tired hands and brains 

All wrestling strive to burst their thong. 
There in God's hands I'll place my own. 

And where He leads with fearless tread. 
Forgetting not that good alone 

Can light the dark where He has led. 

If mine to dry a falling tear. 

Or mine to ease some heart's wild throb, 
To bring a word of hope and cheer, 

Or hush with love a wailing sob, 
I'll count my life a fair success. 

Will patient toil to work His will. 
Enough of joy to others bless, 

Then anxious heart hear, "Peace be still!" 



THE OLD YEAR ^^^ 



The Old Vear. 



E is dying, the wonderful year, 

So waited and welcomed with joy, 
Each footprint is marked with a tear, 
And visions he laughed to destroy. 

What a marvelous life he has led. 
What carnival held in his day, 

While armies have echoed his tread. 
Their life-blood made brilliant his way. 

The nations he roused to new strife. 
And councils are awed as they hear 

The crying for freedom and life 
In notes that are startling and clear. 

He has ruffled the wind and the wave. 
And the storm and hurricane's roar 

Have daunted the hearts of the brave, 
As they wailed to the dip of his oar. 

But now he is passing away, 

The mists and the shadows are near, 

The conqueror, weary and gray 
Sleeps well. It is well with the year. 



132 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

And many will bless thee, Old Year, 

For hopes that have bloomed in thy smile, 

And many will curse thee, Old Year, 
For promises blighted the while. 

The bells that ring slow for the old 
Will merrily chime for the new, 

And eyes will grow bright to behold 
Their dreams of the rosiest hue. 



AMBITIONS 133 



AMBITIONS. 



50 one by one they perished with the hours, 
And I have hallowed every grave with tears, 
And on each mound have scattered precious flowers. 
The blooming hopes that gladdened other years; 
But buds and blossoms, withered, too, and dead. 
Breathe no sweet fragrance o'er the lowly bed. 

Oh how I tried to keep my darlings here! 

And filled the days with eager, restless toil. 
If they but throve no task was deemed severe; 

But spurning dreams still burned the mid-night oil. 
And yet they would not live, and day by day 

I saw my sweet ambitions fade away. 

With folded hands and aching heart I cry, 

"What now shall fill the barren, restless day?" 

Love whispers, "Thou hast me, and I 
More brightly burn as fond hopes fade away, ' ' 

And love's divinest ecstacy or pain 
Floods the uplifted soul, and loss is gain! 



134 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Work and Wait. 




;ORK and wait, nor be faint hearted; 
Trust a Father's loving care. 
From Him thou art never parted, 
He wiU give thee strength to bear 
All the burdens, all the labors 
He requireth thee to share. 

Work and wait. The clouds most dreary 
Yet may blaze with rosy light. 

Though thy feet be sore and weary. 
One can guide their steps aright. 

Place thy hand in His and humbly 
Trust to this all perfect sight. 

Work and wait. In morning early 
Go forth sowing precious seeds, 

Every germ shall bring forth pearly 
Grain or blossom into deeds 

High and holy— God has promised 
He will satisfy thy needs. 

Work and wait. If whitened harvest 
Needs thy sickle, sharp and strong, 

Bear thy arm, be brave and earnest, 
Bring thy golden sheaves along 

To the garner of the Master— 

''What I could," thy humble song. 

Work and wait! Life's hours so fleeting 

Is not all; Oh! look away; 
Hear thy Father's kindly greeting. 

It will all thy toil repay, 
Of ''Well done, thou good and faithful; 

Enter into perfect day." 



ODE TO THE MOUNTAINS 



135 




ODE TO THE MOUNTAINS. 



Ode to The Mountains. 



YI^OUNTAINS regal, bleak and high, 
^ I I Upward rising to the sky; 

Cloud-caressed and storm-king wooed, 
Still sublime in every mood; 
Whether sunlight bathes thy brow, 
Or the snowy wreath, as now 
Winds its crystals round thy head 
Like a grim old monarch, dead. 

Towering still, sublimely grand, 
By the storms or zephyrs fanned. 



136 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Hiding in the clouds thy face, 
Or as oft, in smihng grace, 
Wooing tempests to thy side 
That upon the whirlwinds ride; 
While unchanged the centuries roll 
With their wealth of life and soul; 
Change and death are but the waves 
That thy broad foundation loves; 
Birth of nations, fall of powers. 
Move no more than summer showers. 

Revolutions pass thee by 
As the winds that gently sigh; ' 
Human life and joy and woe. 
Like the shades that come and go, 
Passing leave on thee no trace 
That shall mar thy royal face. 
Silent, awful, regal, grand, 
Guarding still a mighty land; 
Wild majestic as of yore, 
When we have gone, as those before, 
And the millions yet to come 
In the silent tomb are dumb. 

But though years and ages fill. 
Change is written on thee still; 
Whether by the lightning's flash. 
Or convulsion's fearful crash, 
Air or water, frost or sun, 
Work the destiny begun. 
Slowly crumbling, sure decay, 
Write it plain, ye pass away! 



WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY 137 



Washington's Birthday— 1905 



/P\ freedom's consecrated land 

\}y Raise glad acclaims for Washington! 

Whose valor made the country free 
To cradle God's humanity; 

Led on by His almighty hand, 
The hour had struck, oppression done. 
The time was ripe for Washington. 

Ring out sweet bells, ring peel on peel, 
This birthday of our Washington! 

From every church and school and steeple, 

The glad hosannas of the people. 
Who to no earthly despots kneel; 

To all the land has freedom come, 

Then hail, thrice hail, our Washington! 

natal day, proud natal day 

Of the immortal Washington! 
What songs of praises shall we sing? 
What rich oblation shall we bring? 

A nation's gratitude to pay. 
And prove each loyal heart a son 
Of the heroic Washington. 

native land! Dear native land 
Of the majestic Washington! 
Your cannon boom from sea to sea, 



138 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Herald a nation's jubilee! 

A continent by ocean fanned, 
Kissed by the morn and evening: sun, 
Blessed birth-land of our Washington. 

Wave banners, wave in splendor rare 

Above the tomb of Washington; 
And yeomen strong from all the land 
Join in the freeman's anthem grand. 
Millions shall on our scepter bear, 
Complete the work he had begun, 
Our patron saint— brave Washington. 



POOR RUSSIA 139 



Poor Russia. 



POOR Russia! So poor in all that is best, 
In homes proud and happy with liberty blest, 
In sturdy defenders from labor's great mart; 
To fight for her honor with right loyal heart; 
In kindly protection her children to lead, 
Where the lash and the prison are made to succeed; 
The last wretched toiler must hunger and bleed 
To grind out the taxes her nobles to feed. 

The road to Siberia, so rugged and long, 

Is paved with the hearts of patriots strong. 

Her chains, as her mines, that are silent and deep, 

Are rusty with tears where her own children weep. 

Poor Russia! So proud of her nobles and kings, 
All the paraphernalia autocracy brings, 
Scions of royalty, and dukes by the score, 
And gallant officials to guard every door; 
Generals and officers covered with lace, 
And armies well trained in soldierly grace, 
Her temples and palaces, marble and stone, 
What matter for these that her people must groan. 

Her fountains and gardens and grand colonnade 
Where royalty dances in brilliant parade. 



140 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

With fleets on the sea, and her armies on land, 
She challenged Japan with her armaments grand. 
The world stood amazed that the baby should dare 
To measure her arms with the great Russian bear; 
That for right she should fight with a powerful wrong, 
There was sympathy deep and earnest and strong. 

Russia's army before so carefully lined, 
She quite had forgotten the army behind; 
Who, having no father to give them a care. 
To hear a petition or grant them a prayer. 
And asking were answered with cannon and shell, 
All crimsoned the snow where her citizens fell! 
Now the army behind most plainly will score 
An army out-ranking the army before; 
Wiser heads it will take to wipe out the ban 
Than to silence battalions of plucky Japan. 

Before it was glory and conquest and forts. 
Behind it was kingdom and subjects and courts; 
Her children down-trodden in poverty's toil 
Begging existence from the lords of the soil. 

But groans of the dying and starving to-day 
Go up to Jehovah in fearful array; 
The bear in the palace now trembles afraid. 
The bear born of sorrow is howling with rage. 
And ten times ten thousand who lie in their gore 
Are swelling the curses that centuries score. 

But the mills of the gods grind exceedingly fine. 
Blood- washed may they come to a freedom benign; 
And the high and the low in God-given might, 
Their Liberty measure for Justice and Right! 



a 



FOR GOD AND THE RIGHT 141 



For God and the Right. 

ROUSE ye brave freemen! The time draweth near, 
All the world stands in awe your answer to hear. 
Shall tyranny triumph? Shall treason af right? 
Or stand ye up bravely for God and the Right? 

The crowned heads of Europe now trembling await, 
For they in our future but read their own fate; 
Shall kings rule, or people in God-given might? 
Oh, answer for freedom, for God and the Right. 

Your forefather's spirits seem whispering to you, 
To the heritage left you, brave sons, be true; 
The land that we died for no treason should blight, 
Then do your whole duty, for God and the Right. 

A voice as of thousands comes from battle plain, 
See to it, our brothers, we died not in vain; 
The birth-right of Freedom our children ye plight 
When manfully standing for God and the Right. 

The dear, dear old flag that seemeth to vie 
The rainbow, God's promise and star-lighted sky. 
Waves you prophetically on to the light, 
Found only in Freedom, in God and the Right. 

Then for your brave martyrs, the land you love well 
Your banners, your free schools, and dear Sabbath bells, 
Speak calmly, speak bravely. Oh speak in your might 
For Country, for Freedom, for God and the Right. 



142 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Then and Now^. 




,E gather in commemoration 
Of old, old time association, 
Each bringing- to this festive board 
Some memory sweet from his treasured hoard 
Of early times - we call them olden, — 
When life was bright and dreams were golden. 
And promise had made all labor light, 
Rough places smooth and the dark sides bright; 
As with a will, for good times coming. 
Long strides were made for that grand summing. 

From North and South we had gathered here, 
Each with a purpose, glowing with cheer, 
And clinching all in sweet relations, 
New England's sons with best vocations 
Had made their homes and given a hand 
In making bloom the beautiful land. 

The loving wife and the mothers true, 

The halo of love o'er rough life threw. 

And the young bride who had laid away 

Orange flowers for traveling gray; 

Blessed with her smiles and her courage strong 

The thorny way as they toiled along. 

And honest pride one could but know, 
For such a home in its pristine glow, 



THEN AND NOW 143 

Unbroken lands in primitive green 
Flower-decked the fairest ever seen: 
With wave-like swells and with colors gay 
Stretched out for miles and miles away. 

Here music wild and weird rose high 
From dashing waves to the midnight sky; 
In the unceasing cataract's roar, 
Launching its waters from shore to shore. 

And a gayer song and fuller glee 

Thrilled Minnehaha, merry and free. 

As it warbled, laughed and threw its spray 

In fairy dance or magical play. 

With rainbow shadows the livelong day, 

And joyfully floated on — away. 

And beautiful lakes, the sweetest I ween 
That ever were kissed by boughs of green, 
With beachen shores lay in the light 
Of summer suns or blossomed at night; 
With myriad stars, the heavens through. 
With lavish hand from its vaulted blue. 

This was our home. And what of the life 
That with earnest thought and soul was rife? 
Did we lack pleasures and joy refined 
To feed and to satisfy the mind? 
Not so, our places of worship were plain, 
But prayers were earnest, nor preaching vain, 
And the winter evenings brought their cheer 
Of gathered friends that were true and dear. 



144 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

While all the great events of the day 
Were in true parliamentary way, 
Discussed in lyeeums where we met 
In grand debate by an august set. 

But Pve been dreaming. What is this? 
A vision delusive or mirage bliss? 
The work of magic or wondrous fay? 
This marvelous town, this city gay 
That lies before us in beauty to-day? 

Here schools and churches, spacious and tall, 
Have domes and spires to crown them all. 
And the organ's swell and ringing bell 
Seem trembling with the joy they tell 
As they scatter music, full and round, 
Till the air vibrates with sweetest sound; 
While from open windows softly float 
The light guitar's and piano's note. 
From home's palatial or vine covered cot. 
For culture is the rich and poor man's lot. 

And here— right here with iron hands, 
That bind with masterful hand the lands; 
The engine is plying too and fro. 
So like the shuttles that come and go, 
And the nation's woof, its noisy tread 
Is as surely weaving thread by thread, 
While silent, working its finer part. 
Binding mind to mind and heart to heart. 
This great magician, telegraph wire, 
Hugging the world with its belt of fire. 



THEN AND NOW 145 

The giant cataract bound in chains 
Is clanking his bands and straining the reins 
That hold him in check— the poor old slave! 
As a thousand wheels turned by his wave, 
Sawing the lumber, grinding the grain. 
Forging the iron, welding the chain, 
Sending the shuttle with fairy-like tread, 
Whirling the spindle that spins the thread; 
So like our lives, with many a flaw, 
But guided still by beautiful law. 

And yet of all the wonderful here, 
This is the most— for isn't it queer? 
The Father of Waters, (have you heard?) 
Is in every sense of the word 
A Mason? 'Tis true, and wears to-day 
His apron in a masterly way. 

But half the glories I may not sing 
In the humble tribute that I bring 
To this gay banquet, and where we meet 
The friends of other days to greet. 

Then touch your glasses with a merry ring, 
And while to the wind all care we fling, 
Pledge in cold water, sparkling and clear, 
To every son and daughter here. 
Love for the old and joy to the new. 
Loyal to the past, to the present true; 
Nor let us forget the loving hand 
That gave us homes in this favored land. 

And while the past gleams out like a star, 
And beams of the present more radiant are. 
We trust the future's hope- freighted-fleet 
May bring us joys as lasting and sweet; 
While to that love we gratefully bow 
That blessed us then— is blessing us now. 



146 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Now Ve Shall Succeed. 



%^RAVE sons of Erin, now you shall succeed! 
-S^ You hold within yourselves the aid you need, 

When life is nobly on the altar laid 
Your cause is won, nor need you be afraid. 

When grand convictions have so filled the heart 
As leaves no room for self to hold a part, , 
When burning wrongs have so inflamed the breast- 
To royal deeds you shall not be oppressed. 

0, Irishmen, be brave and undismayed! 
For homes and rights are in the balance laid, 
God's mills grind slow, but they are ever sure, 
Then bare your breasts like men and still endure! 

So long you sowed that others yet should reap, 
And they still fatten whilst you work and weep, 
So long have heard your children cry for bread 
Whilst bloated lords your sweat and toil have fed. 

So long have waited, thirsting for the light, 
Starving for knowledge that was yours by right. 
Borne the oppressor's yoke and felt his heel. 
Crushing the heart and hope without appeal. 

You have the right to wear what you shall win, 

To ask the better never is a sin; 

To make of your abilities the best. 

You have the right, less is to be oppressed. 



NOW YE SHALL SUCCEED 147 

You have the right to reap if you but sow, 
The right to learn whate'er there is to know, 
To clothe and feed your children, and inspire 
The love of liberty and its desire. 

Then make demand and press it as thou wilt! 
And every drop of blood for freedom spilt 
Shall have a tongue of fire to wake the land, 
And of plain men make heroes bravely grand. 

The gods love manhood, then fear not the strife, 
Hold loyalty to cause above your life. 
The God of Justice will your battle fight, 
Then strike for homes, for liberty and right! 

0, suffering sons, be worthy, suffering sires! 
Still let oppression kindle freedom's fires! 
The Lord is just and every groan and tear 
Must be atoned by treasure doubly dear. 

To die as heroes, better than live slaves. 
You cannot ask for fairer, greener graves 
Than the bright Emerald Isle that ocean laves. 
If still above the flag of Freedom waves. 



148 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



EXILED. 



^AREWELL, farewell home beloved, 
^i I have loved you long and well, 
""^ Loved you loyally and fondly, 
How the tender memories swell. 

Here we came in youth's glad morning. 
Hearts abrim with promise bright. 

All the future years adorning 
With hope's rosiest delight. 

On our bridal day we started 
For this land of radiant dreams, 

Hand in hand and joyous hearted. 
Looking back how fair it seems. 

Here we worked and planned together, 
Planting tree and shrub and vine, 

Made our home as birds a-feather. 
Lovingly their nests entwine. 

Made it where the brightest sunshine 
Should its fairest radiance lay, 

Hope and love its cares should refine 
While we walked life's devious way. 



EXILED 149 

Here our fairy castles lifted, 

Pink and pearly, rosy bright, 
And the locust blossoms drifted 

In the softest evening light. 

And we dreamed that we should slumber 

In the wood beside the lake, 
When the autumn days should number 

And the years long shadows make. 

But the sullen clouds were drifting. 

That should wash away in tears, 
Loves and castles quickly rifting 

With hopes darkened into fears. 

You are sleeping, dearest, sleeping, 

Where Atlantic waters roar, 
I am weary, lone and dreaming 

Of the days that come no more. 



~^^ 



150 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Passed Away. 



P 



ASSED away, I do but dream. 
Oh! this pain, I must awake. 
No not real— it does but seem 
God would not our darling- take. 



Passed away. Oh! eyes so dear, 
Never more to meet our own. 

Ears are aching for the cheer 
Of her lightest word or tone. 

Passed away, but no, not dead, 
Were it so our hearts would break, 

Sleeping? Yes, they might have said, 
Folded hands a resting take. 

No not dead, but gone before. 
Through the portals open wide, 

Soon we too shall seek the shore 
That her swifter feet have tried. 

Passed away, Saviour dear. 
Fold her to thy loving breast! 

Angels chant the requiem clear, 
Crowned with labor, love and rest. 



SHOW ME THE WAY 151 



Show Me the Way. 



SHOW me the way, my father, 
Show me the way! 
Let me feel Thy arms around me 
That I may not stray. 
I am weary, faint and doubting, 

Give me courage still; 
Still to wait and work nor falter 
If it be Thy will. 

Show me the way, my Father, 

Trusting in Thy light. 
Clasp my hand and hold it firmly. 

Guiding me aright; 
That my feet may never falter. 

Though the way be steep, 
Lead me ever, kindly lead me 

Through the waters deep. 




152 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Another New Vear. 



aNOTHER New Year has unfolded 
Its marvelous volume of white, 
Its pages are all to be written, 
How-be-it in shadow or light. 
And time, the mighty recorder. 

Is holding the pen that shall write 
Each act, or each deed that is brought him 
By the angel of day and of night. 

Written in gladness and sunshine, 

Written in sorrow and tears, 
Written in anticipation, 

Or disappointment and fears. 
Written in reveling pleasure, 

Or in crime that blisters and sears. 
In dreams that were vain and delusive, 

Or in deeds that uplifts and endears. 

Written by feet that are slipping 

While vainly praying for light; 
By hearts grown cold with imploring 

For the light that should guide them aright. 
But alas! the book will be written 

In letters that naught can efface, 
And never a highway or by-way 

Is left a wrong to retrace. 

And never a word that is spoken 

Can be washed by many-fold tears. 
And never a heart that is broken 

Shall find the consoling of years. 
cruel and pitiless volume 

The mighty recorder will write, 
How-be-it in sorrow and anguish. 

Or in deeds that are glowing and bright. 



BE NOT DOUBTING 153 



Be Not Doubting. 



SONS of labor be not doubting, 
Trust Jehovah's power for right! 
Right is just as sure to triumph 
As is morn to follow night; 
Be courageous for the battle, 
For your homes and country fight! 

Oft it seems that wrong is rampant. 
Reaping where it had not strown. 

Gathering a smiling harvest 

That some weary hands had sown; 

Never doubt that in the gleaning 
Each will gather in his own. 

Greed and graft are widely sowing . 

Poverty on every hand, 
Heeding not how wretched toilers 

Multiply throughout the land; 
Breeding hate and crime and envy 

That extravagance has fanned. 

Though the arrogant and haughty 
Labor grinds with sweat and moil, 

They are training with their burdens 
Men who shall possess the soil; 

Men with brains and brawn and muscles, 
Banish slavish want and toil. 



154 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Loyal men heed not the glitter 
Though it seems all good to hold! 

Manly worth the world is needing, 
Men who are not bought or sold; 

Jealous only of your honor, 
It has value more than gold. 

Have you history forgotten? 

How the nations have evolved 
Freedom from the dire oppression, 

Kings and autocrats forestalled? 
When their reckless dissipation. 

Laws and people held in thrall? 

Glory in your honest labor! 

Bravely compromise, defy! 
From the world respect compelling. 

Truth and justice still the cry! 
Willing hands, clear brains are wanted, 

Men so grand they will not lie! 

Down your arms! Be not disloyal! 

Use the ballot, yours by right! 
Guard it as you guard your banner. 

Symbols of your country's might! 
These your birthright, keep them ever, 

To the world a beacon light. 

Liberty! Born of the ages! 

Hold it not with reckless hand! 
Star of hope to all the nations 

That the winds of heaven have fanned; 
Say it reverently and proudly, 

"This my own, my native land." 



AFTER THE BATTLE 155 



After the Battle. 



/^ thousand faces, upturned and white, 
^\ A thousand hands in death's close fold; 
Dear eyes that nevermore shall light. 
And loyal hearts, pulseless and cold. 

Poor, silent lips, so pale and still, 
That told their tale of love last night; 

And purposes all unfulfilled 

That dazed with promise's happy Hght. 

A thousand mothers weep to-day 

The eldest son or youngest born, 
And sunny heads so coldly lie. 

Wont to pillow on bossoms warm. 

And widowed hearts as cold and chill. 
As the dear forms they pressed last eve, 

Who on red couches lie so still. 
You doubt a wife was left to grieve. 

A thousand plans of work to do, 

A thousand dreams with beauty fraught. 

To bless the world that men so true 
Would with their hands and brains have wrought. 

Have all gone out in one day's strife, 
All swallowed deep in one dark grave? 

What compensates this waste of life, 
This hellish draught the people gave? 



156 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Of blood and tears, of grief and pain, 
Of breaking hearts and widow's moans, 

Of hopes and purposes and aims, 
To glut the caprices of thrones? 

When will Thy fatherhood, God, 
With man's dear brotherhood be learned? 

When will the nation to Thy rod 

Of love bow down in darkness spurned? 

Must the measures of wrath be filled? 

Must the wine from the grapes be trod? 
Meet for the temple Thou shall build 

To crown the kingdom of Christ, the Lord. 



■♦■ ^r <n!>^^^ -•- ■ 



My Valentine. 



a valentine rare I send to my darling, 
My sweet little Gladys, so quaint and so fair, 
I will fill it with kisses for the dear little lady. 
And Cupid evangel— my message shall bear. 

Bright as the rays of the sun in the morning. 
Is every dear glance that comes from her eyes. 

And gay as the linnet her laughter is peeling, 
Such queer little sayings still fill with surprise. 

Gladys, my heart's ease, as sweet as the roses, 
Our dear little daisy or lady's-delight, 

I would smother my girlie with ten thousand kisses 
If I could but have you and hold you to-night. 



GONE WITH THE FLOODS OF THE YEARS 157 



Gone with the Floods of the Years, 



PASSING away with the year, 
My hands are stretching in vain, 
Imploring with many a tear, 
Will bring you never again. 
Dear sweet loves, never again. 

Passing away with the year. 
My bright, my beautiful dreams, 

Cherished with longings and fears, 
Now only for memories themes; 
Sands, sands in a flowing stream. 

Passing away with the year. 
Melting in darkness away, 

I kneel alone by the bier, 
Of hopes that wake not with the day. 
Wake never more with the day. 

Passed with the flood of the years, 
And I am calling in vain. 

Bring, bring me my flowers. 
The waves sob, "Never again," 
Echoes sigh back the refrain. 



158 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



What the River Said to Me. 



^%^ IVER, river, onward rushing, 
^^\ Ringing, singing to the sea, 

I am listening, heart-beats hushing 
To the song you sing to me. 

Waters, waters, sparkling, dashing. 

Tossing in the wildest glee, 
Make the song of thy glad splashing 

Sweetly audible to me. 

Waves all froth-capped with the lashing 
Of the rocks that bar thy way. 

Weird the notes of restless thrashing, 
Tell, Oh tell me what they say! 

I would catch the deepest meaning 
Of thy thunder's awful roar, 

Still content if but the gleaming 
Falls to me of thy great store. 

Seemingly I hear you saying, 
• As I bend my listening ear. 
Hushed in deepest silence, praying 
That thy words be strong and clear. 



WHAT THE RIVER SAID TO ME 159 

Life is like the river sweeping 

Onward to the unknown sea; 
Smoothly, gliding, madly leaping 

In its efforts to be free. 

Onward, onward, curving, swaying, 

Hedged by adamantine walls. 
Onward, onward, no delaying. 

Sever all the binding thralls. 

Snapping fetters make the ringing 

In the melody you hear; 
But for rocks there were no singing 

Of the waters bright and clear. 

Bounding higher, gayer dancing 

For the obstacles they meet. 
Stronger for the next advancing, 

Plowing furrows broad and deep. 

Wave on wave, still madly dashing. 
Tear and bruise in their wild might. 

But the brightest sparks are flashing 
Where the waters hardest smite. 



160 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Prayer for the President, 



®UR nation's God to thee, 
Author of powers that be, 
We look to-day; 
And while Thy hand doth guide 
The storms that o'er us ride, 
Bless Him who stems the tide, 
Guide still our President! 

Insistent may he be 

To make our country free, 

From faction strife; 
But resolute and true, 
With urge the right to do. 
Ideals high pursue, 

God guide our President! 

True, honest, loyal, wise, 
Earnest for fair emprise. 

Still may he be; 
May love's compelling hand. 
Make for righteousness our land, 
Liberty exalted stand, 

God guide our President! 

May graciousness benign. 
With wisdom most divine, . 

Make clear his way; 
Brave to the right defend. 
Swift, needed help to lend. 
Love's heroism blend. 

Father, in our President! 



NOT YET 161 



Not Vet. 



HOT yet, not yet! Dear Father, put away 
The bitter cup! let it pass to-day! 
coward heart, why feel such sore afright, 
Only to think of what might come to-night! 
Might come to-night; and lips so dewy red. 
Be white and cold, the warm, sweet life all fled. 
And dear bright eyes a misty veil enclose 
Where love nor anguish wakens their repose. 

And Oh, not yet! would we this life depart, 
We love so well, the work we have at heart, — 
Ambition, fame— let us but reach their goal. 
Our names to write on their immortal scroll. 
Let not misfortune with its cruel pain 
Our idols raze, though loving them were vain. 
They are so fair, approaching the divine, 
That life were death if these we must resign. 

Holding the present with such keen delight 
Of joys possessed, 0! let us dream to-night. 
Is life so sweet that we would longer stay? 
Who made it so, is with us still alway; 
And if not yet we clearly see the way 
With its Elysian, fairer than the day. 
See not the pearly gates or streets of gold, 
And azure skie^ with amethyst unfold. 



162 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Still doubt not that His wisdom will inspire 
This love of life, with longings, better, higher; 
And past the mists enshrouding mortal sight 
Life, love and joy, immortal shall unite. 
Where now we see in part we then shall know 
The little knowledge we have gained below, 
Increased a thousand fold love's mounting fire 
In the omniscient flooding all desire. 




SENTENCED 163 



SENTENCED, 

AN INCIDENT 



SENTENCED you say! and life's long day 
With prison walls is hedged around; 
No hope for him, a starless way 
Through all the years that life shall bound. 

He killed our boy, took his young life 
And sent his soul unwarned to God, 

Nor keener pain from grief's sharp knife 
Can pierce my heart above the sod. 

They say our boy was rough and wild. 

Wicked and sinning, and I know 
He never was a patient child, 

But answered quick with word or blow. 

They cannot know how when a child 
He held my head and bathed my brow; 

So sorry when reproof was mild. 
Making resolves to date from now. 

And when my darling's fate I mourn. 

That other mother's face I see; 
And on the very winds are borne 

That mother's tearful wail to me. 



164 



AS THEY CAME TO ME 



Yes, husband, sign, 'tis surely right, 
My name, I add, to set him free, 

And then will pray the Lord of might 
As I have done so do my me. 

If more than mother's love and care 
Encircles all His children round, 

I know my own is safely there, 
For only this such love can bound. 




MINNEHAHA 165 



MINNEHAHA. 



211 



INNEHAH A. laugh away, . 
Lash thy waters, dash thy spray, 
Joyful notes forever soar 
In thy merry splash and roar. 
Rainbows flitting in thy foam, 
Turning it to fairy dome; 
Laughing waters, tell me pray. 
Do not angels round thee play? 

Does Titana's glittering throng, 
Lead the dance or breathe the song, 
Midst thy crystal waters bright. 
Shadows flitting in delight? 
Do not seraphs love to dwell 
In this fair, sequestered dell? 
Does not zephyr's breath, say. 
Mingle with Eolian lay? 

List again, tell me more! 
Let thy theme be days of yore. 
When the red man joyfuUy 
Ranged these prairies broad and free. 
Did the warrior at thy side, 
Where the sparkling waters glide. 
Woo the maid his heart held dear, 
Minnehaha, was it here? 



166 AS THEY CAME TO ME 

Was not here the evening prayer 
Wafted on the evening air, > 
To the Spirit great on high 
Who inhabiteth the sky? 
They heed me not! On they go 
Dashing on the rocks below; 
Laughing notes are all I hear 
Minnehaha singing clear. 



SILVER WEDDING BELLS 167 



Silver Weddino: Bells. 



^\3ING, ring the bells, the joyous bells! 
-VV Peel on peel for the matchless wedding!' 
Joy bells only whose music tells 
Of wedded love's progressing. 

Ringi ring the bells, the joyous bells! 

For the golden stairs they are climbing. 
Twenty years their music tells 

Of waiting, working and rhyming. 

Hand in hand may they hear the bells, 

The loving numbers counting. 
As year on year their music swells 

With love's flame higher mounting. 

Ring on and on, till gates ajar 

Open in happy greeting! 
And the Elysian fields afar 

Echo with joyful meeting. 



168 AS THEY CAME TO ME 



FANCIES. 



"^^y am musing to-night upon faces, 

*<0 How varied and different the traces 

That are written by sorrow and care; 
Unerringly marking the races, 
And each one's nativity places 
By something unfailingly there. 

Pathetically telling of losses. 

How painful and hard are the crosses 

That come to their portion to bear; 
And plainer still of the drosses, 
Of hopes lying under the mosses 

That dazzled with promises rare. 

Radiantly writing the joy, 
Almost without an alloy 

Some fortune capriciously brings; 
When fame has crowned them with glory, 
And love repeated the story, 

And sealed it with promise and ring. 



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